Digital camera with movable mirror for AF in live view mode and optical viewfinder mode

ABSTRACT

A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer  110  having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor  130  or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor  130  to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor  150  as a moving image in real time, wherein when a release button  141  receives an instruction regarding start of an autofocus operation in a live view mode, the microcomputer  110  controls a movable mirror to enter an optical path to measure by an AF sensor  132 , and thereafter, allow the movable mirror to retract from the optical path to return the digital camera to the live view mode. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a digital camera. In particular, thepresent invention relates to a digital camera having a movable mirror,which enables a subject image to be observed through an electronicviewfinder.

BACKGROUND ART

A digital single-lens reflex camera has an electronic viewfinder and anoptical viewfinder, so that a subject image formed by an image pickupoptical system is switched with a movable mirror, and can be observedthrough the optical viewfinder. Because of this, displacement does notoccur between a subject image in a recording image and a subject imagedisplayed with the optical viewfinder, whereby an image pickupmanipulation can be performed satisfactorily.

However, the digital single-lens reflex camera needs to switch themovable mirror in accordance with an operation state. This requires auser's manual manipulation, and a time therefor needs to be kept.Particularly, in a camera with a “live view mode” in which an imagegenerated by an image pickup element is displayed on a display portionin real time, the movable mirror needs to be switched frequently inaccordance with an autofocus operation, a diaphragm adjustmentoperation, and an image pickup operation.

A digital single-lens reflex camera with a live view mode is disclosedby, for example, Patent Document 1.

Patent Document 1: JP 2001-272593 A

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the digital single-lens reflex camera disclosed by PatentDocument 1, the operability involved in switching of the movable mirroris not improved sufficiently. Therefore, even if the live view mode isset to be executable, it is difficult for a user to use it, andconsequently, the user captures an image while observing it with theoptical viewfinder.

The object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera withthe operability thereof enhanced, which includes a movable mirror and iscapable of displaying a subject image in a live view through anelectronic viewfinder.

Means for Solving Problem

In order to achieve the above object, a first digital camera of thepresent invention having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinder,includes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the image data generated by the image pickupelement or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated bythe image pickup element to predetermined processing; adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion; an AF start instruction receivingportion that receives an instruction of a user regarding activation ofthe autofocus portion; and a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the image data generated by theimage pickup element or the image data obtained by subjecting the imagedata generated by the image pickup element to predetermined processingis displayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time,wherein when the AF start instruction receiving portion receives aninstruction regarding start of the autofocus operation in the live viewmode, the control portion controls the movable mirror to enter theoptical path to measure the distance by the distance-measuring portion,and thereafter, allow the movable mirror to retract from the opticalpath to return the digital camera to the live view mode.

According to the above configuration, operations from an autofocusoperation using the distance-measuring portion to a live view displaycan be performed easily with a simple operation of operating the AFstart instruction receiving portion. Therefore, a user can adjust acomposition in a live view display while a subject is being focused witha simple operation.

Furthermore, a second digital camera of the present invention having amovable mirror provided so as to enter or retract with respect to anoptical path of an image pickup optical system for purpose of guiding asubject image to an optical viewfinder, includes: an image pickupelement that captures the subject image formed by the image pickupoptical system to generate image data; a display portion that displaysthe image data generated by the image pickup element or image dataobtained by subjecting the image data generated by the image pickupelement to predetermined processing; a release portion that receives aninstruction of a user regarding start of capturing an image forrecording by the image pickup element; a distance-measuring portion thatreceives the subject image and obtains information on a distance fromthe subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable mirror ispositioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that adjusts afocus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup optical systemin accordance with measurement results of the distance-measuringportion; an AF start instruction receiving portion that receives aninstruction of a user regarding activation of the autofocus portion; anda control portion controlling the digital camera to enter a live viewmode so that the image data generated by the image pickup element or theimage data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the imagepickup element to predetermined processing is displayed on the displayportion as a moving image in real time, wherein after allowing theautofocus portion to start an autofocus operation in accordance with amanipulation of the AF start instruction receiving portion, the controlportion determines whether to shift the digital camera directly to animage pickup operation of an image for recording in accordance with atiming at which the release portion receives the instruction regardingthe start of capturing an image, or to shift the digital camera to thelive view mode and thereafter, shifts the digital camera to the imagepickup operation of the image for recording when the release portionreceives the instruction regarding the start of capturing an image.

Furthermore, a third digital camera of the present invention having amovable mirror provided so as to enter or retract with respect to anoptical path of an image pickup optical system for purpose of guiding asubject image to an optical viewfinder, includes: an image pickupelement that captures the subject image formed by the image pickupoptical system to generate image data; a display portion that displaysthe image data generated by the image pickup element or image dataobtained by subjecting the image data generated by the image pickupelement to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion thatreceives the subject image and obtains information on a distance fromthe subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable mirror ispositioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that adjusts afocus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup optical systemin accordance with measurement results of the distance-measuringportion; and a control portion controlling the digital camera to enter alive view mode so that the image data generated by the image pickupelement or the image data obtained by subjecting the image datagenerated by the image pickup element to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time, whereinthe control portion controls the digital camera to vary between a methodfor displaying an image on the display portion and a method for notdisplaying an image on the display portion based on a case where thecontrol portion allows the movable mirror to enter the optical path soas to allow the autofocus portion to perform an autofocus operation anda case where the control portion allows the moveable mirror to enter theoptical path so as to prepare for capturing an image for recording bythe image pickup element.

According to the above configuration, since the display of the displayportion varies, it can be recognized easily whether the operation is anautofocus operation or an image pickup operation. Therefore, the problemthat the user is likely to confuse both the operations can be solved.The reason why the user is likely to confuse both the operations is thatpatterns of sounds generated from the movable mirror in both theoperations are similar to each other (the movable mirror moves down andmoves up both in the autofocus operation and the image pickupoperation).

Furthermore, a fourth digital camera of the present invention having amovable mirror provided so as to enter or retract with respect to anoptical path of an image pickup optical system for purpose of guiding asubject image to an optical viewfinder, includes: an image pickupelement that captures the subject image formed by the image pickupoptical system to generate image data; a display portion that displaysthe image data generated by the image pickup element or image dataobtained by subjecting the image data generated by the image pickupelement to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion thatreceives the subject image and obtains information on a distance fromthe subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable mirror ispositioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that adjusts afocus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup optical systemusing measurement results of the distance-measuring portion, or usingcontrast of the image data generated by the image pickup element orimage data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the imagepickup element to predetermined processing; and a control portioncontrolling the digital camera to enter a live view mode so that theimage data generated by the image pickup element or the image dataobtained by subjecting the image data generated by the image pickupelement to predetermined processing is displayed on the display portionas a moving image in real time, wherein when the movable mirror is notpositioned in the optical path, the control portion controls theautofocus portion so that an autofocus operation is performed usingcontrast, and when the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path,the control portion controls the autofocus portion so that an autofocusoperation is performed using the measurement results of thedistance-measuring portion.

According to the above configuration, the autofocus operation can beperformed both when the movable mirror is not positioned in the opticalpath and when the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path.

Furthermore, a fifth digital camera of the present invention having amovable mirror provided so as to enter or retract with respect to anoptical path of an image pickup optical system for purpose of guiding asubject image to an optical viewfinder, includes: an image pickupelement that captures the subject image formed by the image pickupoptical system to generate image data; a display portion that displaysthe image data generated by the image pickup element or image dataobtained by subjecting the image data generated by the image pickupelement to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion thatreceives the subject image and obtains information on a distance fromthe subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable mirror ispositioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that adjusts afocus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup optical systemin accordance with measurement results of the distance-measuringportion; and a control portion controlling the digital camera to enter alive view mode so that the image data generated by the image pickupelement or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated bythe image pickup element to predetermined processing is displayed on thedisplay portion as a moving image in real time and a continuous focusmode updating a focus state of the subject image continuously by theautofocus portion, wherein the control portion is capable of controllingthe autofocus portion in the continuous focus mode when the movablemirror guides the subject image to the optical viewfinder, and does notcontrol the autofocus portion in the continuous focus mode in the liveview mode.

According to the above configuration, the autofocus operation includinga continuous autofocus operation can be realized only with the autofocusoperation using the distance-measuring portion.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, in a digital camera that includes amovable mirror and is capable of displaying a live view through anelectronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an outline of a camera accordingto Embodiments 1-5.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera bodyaccording to Embodiments 1-5.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the camera body according to Embodiments 1-5.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an interchangeablelens according to Embodiments 1-5.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view when the inside of a mirror box of the cameraaccording to Embodiments 1-5 is in a state B.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view when the inside of the mirror box of thecamera according to Embodiments 1-5 is in a state C.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an AV button ispressed in an OVF mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a diaphragmstop-down button is pressed in a live view mode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a live view previewbutton is pressed in the live view mode.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example when a part is displayedin an enlarged state on a liquid crystal monitor.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using an optical viewfinder in a manual focus mode.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an image filestoring an image for recording.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using a liquid crystal monitor 150 in the manual focus mode.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using an optical viewfinder in a single focus mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the single focus mode.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using an optical viewfinder in a continuous focus mode.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using the liquid crystal monitor in the continuous focus mode.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an autofocus operation when an OVFmode is switched to the live view mode.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a display screen displaying afocused point.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of line sensorsincluded in an AF sensor.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when foreign mattersuch as dust adhering to a protective material is removed using ansupersonic vibration generator.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a stroboscopic image pickupoperation in the case of using only the AE sensor.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a stroboscopic image pickupoperation in the case of using the AE sensor and a CMOS sensor.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis reset by shock.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an LV previewbutton is pressed in the OVF mode.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time of shift tothe live view mode due to a remote control manipulation.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the camera isshifted to the live view mode by being fixed to a tripod.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the camera isshifted to the live view mode by rotating the liquid crystal monitor.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the camera isshifted to the live view mode by being connected to an externalterminal.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the camera isshifted to the live view mode by setting an aspect ratio.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the camera isshifted to the live view mode by operating a diaphragm ring.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled by operating a menu button.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled by turning off a power supply.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled by opening a battery cover.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled due to the decrease in a supply voltage.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled due to the decrease in a supply voltage.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled by being connected to the external terminal.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a shift operation to a single focusmode involved in the shift to the live view mode.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a shift operation to an OVF modeinvolved in the shift to the continuous focus mode.

FIG. 40 is a schematic view showing a display screen when a plurality ofreal-time images are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-display operation in a liveview.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 camera

100 camera body

110 microcomputer

111 buffer

121 a, 121 b movable mirror

125 focusing glass

126 prism

130 CMOS sensor

132 AF sensor

134 supersonic vibration generator

136 eyepiece

140 a menu button

140 j LV preview button

141 release button

142 power supply switch

143 battery box

150 liquid crystal monitor

152 external terminal

155 remote control receiving portion

200 interchangeable lens

210 CPU

220 objective lens

230 zoom lens

242 diaphragm ring

251 correction lens

252 gyrosensor

260 focus lens

261 focus motor

262 focus ring

300 memory card

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[Contents]

-   1. Embodiment 1-   1-1 Configuration of Digital Camera    -   1-1-1 Outline of entire configuration    -   1-1-2 Configuration of camera body    -   1-1-3 Configuration of interchangeable lens    -   1-1-4 State of mirror box    -   1-1-5 Correspondence between configuration of present embodiment        and configuration of present invention-   1-2 Operation of Digital Camera    -   1-2-1 Display operation of real-time image        -   1-2-1-1 Operation during use of optical viewfinder        -   1-2-1-2 Operation during use of liquid crystal monitor    -   1-2-2 Adjustment of diaphragm and display operation of real-time        image        -   1-2-2-1 Operation during use of optical viewfinder        -   1-2-2-2 Operation during use of liquid crystal monitor    -   1-2-3 Image pickup operation of image for recording        -   1-2-3-1 Image pickup operation using manual focus            -   1-2-3-1-1 Operation during use of optical viewfinder            -   1-2-3-1-2 Operation during use of liquid crystal monitor        -   1-2-3-2 Image pickup operation using single focus            -   1-2-3-2-1 Operation during use of optical viewfinder            -   1-2-3-2-2 Operation during use of liquid crystal monitor        -   1-2-3-3 Image pickup operation using continuous focus            -   1-2-3-3-1 Operation during use of optical viewfinder            -   1-2-3-3-2 Operation during use of liquid crystal monitor    -   1-2-4 Autofocus operation during shift to live view mode    -   1-2-5 Display operation of distance-measuring point    -   1-2-6 Dust automatic removing operation    -   1-2-7 Stroboscopic image pickup operation in live view mode        -   1-2-7-1 Photometric operation using only AE sensor        -   1-2-7-2 Photometric operation using AE sensor and CMOS            sensor        -   1-2-7-3 Photometric operation using only CMOS sensor-   2. Embodiment 2    -   2-1 Operation during shift to live view mode by diaphragm        adjustment    -   2-2 Operation during shift to live view mode by remote control        manipulation    -   2-3 Operation during shift to live view mode by fixing tripod    -   2-4 Operation during shift to live view mode by rotation of        liquid crystal monitor    -   2-5 Operation during shift to live view mode by connection to        external terminal    -   2-6 Operation during shift to live view mode by setting of        aspect ratio other than 4:3    -   2-7 Operation during shift to live view mode by operation of        diaphragm ring-   3. Embodiment 3    -   3-1 Operation of canceling live view mode by menu button        manipulation    -   3-2 Operation of canceling live view mode in accordance with        power supply turn-off manipulation    -   3-3 Operation of canceling live view mode in accordance with        opening of battery cover    -   3-4 Operation of canceling live view based on detection of low        battery    -   3-5 Operation of canceling live view mode in accordance with        removal of lens    -   3-6 Operation of canceling live view mode in accordance with        connection to external terminal-   4. Embodiment 4    -   4-1 Operation of shifting from continuous focus mode to single        focus mode    -   4-2 Operation of shifting from live view mode to OVF mode-   5. Embodiment 5 Live view display of multi-screen-   6. Embodiment 6 Other embodiments

(Embodiment 1)

(1-1 Configuration of Digital Camera).

[1-1-1 Outline of Entire Configuration]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a camera 10.The camera 10 is composed of a camera body 100 and an interchangeablelens 200 attachable/detachable with respect to the camera body 100.

The camera body 100 captures a subject image condensed by an opticalsystem included in the interchangeable lens 200, and records it as imagedata. The camera body 100 includes a mirror box 120. The mirror box 120switches an optical path of an optical signal from the optical systemincluded in the interchangeable lens 200 so as to allow the subjectimage to be incident selectively upon either a CMOS sensor 130(complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) or an eyepiece 136. The mirrorbox 120 includes movable mirrors 121 a, 121 b, a mirror driving portion122, a shutter 123, a shutter driving portion 124, a focusing glass 125,and a prism 126.

The movable mirror 121 a is placed so as to enter/retract with respectto the optical path of an image pickup optical system so as to guide thesubject image to an optical viewfinder. The movable mirror 121 b isplaced so as to enter/retract with respect to the optical path of theimage pickup optical system together with the movable mirror 121 a. Themovable mirror 121 b reflects a part of the optical signal input fromthe optical system included in the interchangeable lens 200 to allows itto be incident upon an AF sensor 132 (AF: auto focus). The AF sensor 132is, for example, a light-receiving sensor for autofocusing of a phasedifference detection system. When the AF sensor 132 is of the phasedifference detection system, the AF sensor 132 detects a defocus amountof the subject image.

When the movable mirror 121 a is positioned in the optical path of theimage pickup optical system, a part of the optical signal input from theoptical system included in the interchangeable lens 200 is incident uponthe eyepiece 136 via the focusing glass 125 and the prism 126.Furthermore, the optical signal reflected by the movable mirror 121 a isdiffused by the focusing glass 125. Then, a part of the diffused opticalsignal is incident upon an AE sensor 133 (AE: automatic exposure). Onthe other hand, when the movable mirrors 121 a and 121 b are notpositioned in the optical path of the image pickup optical system, theoptical signal input from the optical system included in theinterchangeable lens 200 is incident upon the CMOS sensor 130.

The mirror driving portion 122 includes mechanical components such as amotor and a spring. Furthermore, the mirror driving portion 122 drivesthe movable mirrors 121 a, 121 b based on the control of a microcomputer110.

The shutter 123 can switch between the interruption and the passage ofthe optical signal incident via the interchangeable lens 200. Theshutter driving portion 124 includes mechanical components such as amotor and a spring. Furthermore, the shutter driving portion 124 drivesthe shutter 123 based on the control of the microcomputer 110. Themirror driving portion 122 and the shutter driving portion 124 may useseparate motors or have one motor in common.

At the back of the camera body 100, a liquid crystal monitor 150 isplaced. The liquid crystal monitor 150 is capable of displaying imagedata generated by the CMOS sensor 130 or image data obtained bysubjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 topredetermined processing.

The optical system in the interchangeable lens 200 includes an objectivelens 220, a zoom lens 230, a diaphragm 240, an image fluctuationcorrecting unit 250, and a focus motor 260. A CPU 210 controls theoptical system. The CPU 210 is capable of transmitting/receiving acontrol signal and information on the optical system with respect to themicrocomputer 110 on the camera body 100 side.

In the specification, a function of displaying a subject image on theliquid crystal monitor 150 in real time and a display thereof will bereferred to as a “live view” or “LV”. Furthermore, a control mode of themicrocomputer 110 for allowing a live view operation to be performed assuch will be referred to as a “live view mode” or an “LV mode”.Furthermore, a function in which an optical image incident via theinterchangeable lens 200 can be recognized visually through the eyepiece136 will be referred to as a “finder view” or an “OV”. Furthermore, acontrol mode of the microcomputer 110 for allowing the OVF function tobe operated as such will be referred to as an “OVF mode”.

[1-1-2 Configuration of Camera Body]

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of the camera body 110. As shown in FIG. 2,the camera body 110 has various sites, and the microcomputer 110controls them. In the present embodiment, a description will be made inwhich one microcomputer 110 controls the entire camera body 100.However, even if the present embodiment is configured so that aplurality of control portions control the camera body 100, the camerabody 100 is operated similarly.

A lens mount portion 135 is a member that attaches/detaches theinterchangeable lens 200. The lens mount portion 125 can be electricallyconnected to the interchangeable lens 200 using a connection terminal orthe like, and also can be mechanically connected thereto using amechanical member such as an engagement member. The lens mount portion135 can output a signal from the interchangeable lens 200 to themicrocomputer 110, and can output a signal from the microcomputer 110 tothe interchangeable lens 200. The lens mount portion 135 has a hollowconfiguration. Therefore, the optical signal incident from the opticalsystem included in the interchangeable lens 200 passes through the lensmount portion 135 to reach the mirror box 120.

The mirror box 120 guides the optical signal having passed through thelens mount portion 135 to the CMOS sensor 130, the eyepiece lens 136,the AF sensor 132, and the AE sensor 133 in accordance with the insidestate. The switching of the optical signal by the mirror box will bedescribed in “1-1-4 State of mirror box”.

The CMOS sensor 130 electrically converts the optical signal incidentthrough the mirror box 120 to generate image data. The generated imagedata is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by an A/Dconverter 131 to be output to the microcomputer 110. The generated imagedata may be subjected to predetermined image processing while beingoutput from the CMOS sensor 130 to the A/D converter 131 or while beingoutput from the A/D converter 131 to the microcomputer 110.

The eyepiece lens 136 passes the optical signal incident through themirror box 120. At this time, in the mirror box 120, as shown in FIG. 1,the optical signal incident from the interchangeable lens 200 isreflected by the movable mirror 121 a to form a subject image on thefocusing glass 125. Then, the prism 126 reflects the subject image tooutput it to the eyepiece 136. Consequently, a user visually canrecognize the subject image from the mirror box 120. Herein, theeyepiece 136 may be composed of a single lens or a lens group includinga plurality of lenses. Furthermore, the eyepiece 136 may be held on thecamera body 100 in a fixed manner, or held thereon movably for thepurpose of adjusting a visibility or the like. The optical viewfinder iscomposed of the focusing glass 125, the prism 126, and the eyepiece 136,and is configured in an optimum shape for displaying an image having acomposition with an aspect ratio of 4:3. It should be noted that theoptical viewfinder may be configured in an optimum shape for displayingan image having a composition with another aspect ratio. For example,the optical viewfinder may have an optimum shape for displaying an imagehaving a composition with an aspect ratio of 16:9, or an optimum shapefor displaying an image having a composition with an aspect ratio of3:2.

A protective material 138 protects the surface of the CMOS sensor 130.By placing the protective material 138 on the front surface of the CMOSsensor 130, foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from adheringto the surface of the CMOS sensor 130. The protective material 138 canbe formed of a transparent material such as glass or plastic.

An supersonic vibration generator 134 is activated in accordance with asignal from the microcomputer 110 to generate an supersonic vibration.The supersonic vibration generated in the supersonic vibration generator134 is transmitted to the protective material 138. Because of this, theprotective material 138 can vibrate to shake off foreign matter such asdust adhering to the protective material 138. The supersonic vibrationgenerator 134 can be realized, for example, by attaching a piezoelectricelement to the protective material 138. In this case, the piezoelectricelement can be vibrated by supplying an AC current to the piezoelectricelement attached to the protective material 138.

A strobe 137 flashes in accordance with an instruction of themicrocomputer 110. The strobe 137 may be contained in the camera body100, or may be of a type attachable/detachable with respect to thecamera body 100. In the case of an attachable/detachable strobe, it isnecessary to provide a strobe attachment portion such as a hot shoe onthe camera body 100.

A release button 141 receives an instruction from the user regarding theactivation of an autofocus operation and a photometric operation, andalso receives an instruction from the user regarding the start ofcapturing an image for recording by the CMOS sensor 130. The releasebutton 141 can receive halfway depression and full depression. When therelease button 141 is pressed halfway by the user in an autofocus mode,the microcomputer 110 instructs the interchangeable lens 200 to performthe autofocus operation based on a signal from the AF sensor 132.Furthermore, when the release button 141 is pressed halfway by the userin an automatic exposure mode, the microcomputer 110 instructs theinterchangeable lens 200 to perform the photometric operation based on asignal from the AE sensor 133. On the other hand, when the releasebutton 141 is pressed fully by the user, the microcomputer 110 controlsthe mirror box 120, the CMOS sensor 130, and the like to capture theimage for recording. Then, the microcomputer 110 subjects the capturedimage for recording to YC conversion processing, resolution conversionprocessing, compression processing, or the like, if required, therebygenerating image data for recording. The microcomputer 110 records thegenerated image data for recording on a memory card 300 via a card slot153. The release button 141 can has a function of responding to thehalfway depression and a function of responding to the full depressionby allowing the release button 141 to contain two switches. In thiscase, one of the switches is switched to an ON state by the halfwaydepression, and the other switch is switched to an ON state by the fulldepression.

A manipulation portion 140 can receive various instructions from theuser. An instruction received by the manipulation portion 140 istransmitted to the microcomputer 110. FIG. 3 is a back view of thecamera body 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the back surface of the camera body100 includes a menu button 140 a, a cross key 140 b, a set button 140 c,a rotation dial 140 d, a viewfinder switch 140 e, a focus mode switch140 f, a strobe activation button 140 h, an LV preview button 140 j, astop-down button 140 k, an AV button 140 m, and a power supply switch142. On the upper surface of the camera body 100, a hand shakingcorrection mode switch button 140 g and the release button 141 areplaced.

The menu button 140 allows the liquid crystal monitor 150 to displaysetting information on the camera body 10, thereby enabling the user tochange the setting. The cross key 140 b selects various settings, items,images, or the like displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, and forexample, can move a cursor or the like. The set button 140 c determinesthe selected various settings, items, images, or the like displayed onthe liquid crystal monitor 150. The rotation dial 140 d is an operationmember that selects various settings, items, images, or the likedisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the same way as in thecross key 140 b, and can move a cursor or the like, for example, byrotating. The viewfinder switch 140 e selects either guiding an opticalimage to the eyepiece 136 or displaying a captured electric image on theliquid crystal monitor 150. The focus mode switch 140 f selects eithersetting a focus mode in a manual focus mode or setting the focus mode inan autofocus mode. The hand shaking correction mode switch 140 g iscapable of selecting whether hand shaking correction should beperformed. Furthermore, the hand shaking correction mode switch 140 gcan select a control mode of hand shaking correction. The stop-downbutton 140 k adjusts the diaphragm in the live view mode. The LV previewbutton 140 j adjusts the diaphragm and displays a part of an imagedisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in an enlarged state, in thelive view mode. The AV button 140 m adjusts the diaphragm in the OVFmode.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal monitor 150 receives a signalfrom the microcomputer 110 and displays an image or information onvarious settings. The liquid crystal monitor 150 is capable ofdisplaying image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130, or image dataobtained by subjecting the image data generated in the CMOS sensor 130to predetermined processing. The liquid crystal monitor 150 is capableof displaying the image data held in the memory card 300 aftersubjecting the image data to predetermined processing such asdecompression processing in the microcomputer 110, if required. As shownin FIG. 3, the liquid crystal monitor 150 is placed on the back surfaceof the camera body 100. The liquid crystal monitor 150 is placedrotatably with respect to the camera body 100. A contact point 151detects the rotation of the liquid crystal monitor 150. The liquidcrystal monitor 150 has an optimum shape for displaying an image havinga composition with an aspect ratio of 4:3. It should be noted that theliquid crystal monitor 150 is also capable of displaying an image havinga composition with another aspect ratio (e.g., 3:2 or 16:9).

An external terminal 152 outputs image data and information on varioussettings to an external apparatus. The external terminal 152 is, forexample, a USB terminal (USB: universal serial bus), a terminal for aninterface pursuant to an IEEE 139 specification (IEEE: Institute ofElectrical and Electronic Engineers), or the like. Furthermore, when aconnection terminal from the external apparatus is connected to theexternal terminal 152, the microcomputer 110 is notified of theconnection.

A power supply controller 146 controls the supply of power from abattery 400 contained in a battery box 143 to a member in a camera 10,such as the microcomputer 110. When the power supply switch 142 isswitched on, the power supply controller 146 starts supplying the powerfrom the battery 400 to the member in the camera 10. Furthermore, thepower supply controller 146 includes a sleep function, and when thepower supply switch 142 remains unoperated for a predetermined period oftime keeping an ON state, the power supply switch 142 stops the supplyof power (excluding partial members in the camera 10). Furthermore, thepower supply controller 146 notifies the microcomputer 110 that thebattery cover 144 is opened, based on a signal from the contact point145 that monitors the opening/closing of the battery cover 144. Thebattery cover 144 is a member that opens/closes an opening of thebattery box 143. In FIG. 2, the power supply controller 146 isconfigured so as to supply power to each member in the camera 10 throughthe microcomputer 110. However, even if the power supply controller 146is configured so as to supply power directly from the power supplycontroller 146, the camera 10 is operated similarly.

A tripod fixing portion 147 is a member that fixes a tripod (not shown)to the camera body 100, and is composed of a screw or the like.

The contact point 148 monitors whether or not the tripod is fixed to thetripod fixing portion 147, and notifies the microcomputer 110 of theresult. The contact point 148 can be composed of a switch or the like.

The card slot 153 is a connector for accepting the memory card 300. Thecard slot 153 may be not only configured so as to include a mechanicalportion for placing the memory card 300, but also be configured so as toinclude a control portion and/or software for controlling the memorycard 300.

A buffer 111 is a memory used when signal processing is performed in themicrocomputer 110. Although a signal stored temporarily in the buffer111 mainly is image data, a control signal and the like may be stored inthe buffer 111. The buffer 111 may be means capable of storing, such asa DRAM (dynamic random access memory), an SRAM (static random accessmemory), a flash memory, or a ferroelectric memory. The buffer 11 alsomay be a memory specialized in storage.

An AF auxiliary light emitting portion 154 is a member that emitsauxiliary light when an autofocus operation is performed in a darkphotographing place. The AF auxiliary light emitting portion 154 emitslight based on the control of the microcomputer 110. The AF auxiliarylight emitting portion 154 includes a red LED (light-emitting diode) andthe like.

A remote control receiving portion 155 receives a signal from a remotecontroller (not shown) and transmits the received signal to themicrocomputer 110. The remote control receiving portion 155 typicallyincludes a photodetector that receives infrared light from the remotecontroller.

[1-1-3 Configuration of Interchangeable Lens]

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the interchangeablelens 200.

As shown in FIG. 4, the interchangeable lens 200 includes an imagepickup optical system. Furthermore, the image pickup optical system andthe like of the interchangeable lens 200 are controlled by the CPU 210.

The CPU 210 controls the operations of actuators such as a zoom motor231, a diaphragm motor 241, the hand shaking correction unit 250, and afocus motor 261, thereby controlling the image pickup optical system.The CPU 210 sends information representing the states of the imagepickup optical system, an accessory placement portion 272, and the liketo the camera body 100 via a communication terminal 270. Furthermore,the CPU 210 receives a control signal or the like from the camera body100, and controls the image pickup optical system and the like based onthe received control signal or the like.

The objective lens 220 is placed closest to the subject side. Theobjective lens 220 may be movable in an optical axis direction or may befixed.

The zoom lens 230 is placed on the image surface side from the objectivelens 220. The zoom lens 230 is movable in the optical axis direction. Bymoving the zoom lens 230, the magnification of the subject image can bevaried. The zoom lens 230 is driven with the zoom motor 231. The zoommotor 231 may be any motor such as a stepping motor or a servo motor, aslong as it drives at least the zoom lens 230. The CPU 210 monitors thestate of the zoom motor 231 or the state of another member to monitorthe position of the zoom lens 230.

The diaphragm 240 is placed on the image surface side from the zoom lens231. The diaphragm 240 has an aperture with the optical axis at thecenter. The size of the aperture can be changed by the diaphragm motor241 and a diaphragm ring 242. The diaphragm motor 241 is synchronizedwith a mechanism that changes the aperture size of the diaphragm todrive the mechanism, thereby changing the aperture size of thediaphragm. The diaphragm ring 242 also is synchronized with a mechanismthat changes the aperture size of the diaphragm to drive the mechanism,thereby changing the aperture size of the diaphragm. An electricalcontrol signal is given to the microcomputer 110 or the CPU 210 by theuser, and the diaphragm motor 241 is driven based on the control signal.In contrast, the diaphragm ring 242 receives a mechanical manipulationfrom the user, and transmits this manipulation to the diaphragm 240.Furthermore, whether or not the diaphragm ring 242 has been operated canbe detected by the CPU 210.

The hand shaking correction unit 250 is placed on the image surface sidefrom the diaphragm 240. The hand shaking correction unit 250 includes acorrection lens 251 that corrects hand shaking and an actuator thatdrives the correction lens 251. The actuator included in the handshaking correction unit 250 can move the correction lens 251 in a planeorthogonal to an optical axis. A gyrosensor 252 measures an angularspeed of the interchangeable lens 200. For convenience, in FIG. 4,although the gyrosensor 252 is shown with one block, the interchangeablelens 200 includes two gyrosensors 252. One of the two gyrosensorsmeasures an angular speed with a vertical axis of the camera 10 beingthe center. Furthermore, the other gyrosensor measures an angular speedwith a horizontal axis of the camera 10 perpendicular to the opticalaxis being the center. The CPU 210 measures a hand shaking direction anda hand shaking amount of the interchangeable lens 200 based on theangular speed information from the gyrosensor 252. The CPU 210 controlsan actuator so as to move the correction lens 251 in a direction ofcanceling a hand shaking amount. Because of this, the subject imageformed with the image pickup optical system of the interchangeable lens200 becomes a subject image with hand shaking corrected.

The focus lens 260 is placed closest to the image surface side. Thefocus motor 261 drives the focus lens 260 in the optical axis direction.This can adjust the focus of the subject image.

The accessory placement portion 272 is a member that places an accessorysuch as a light-shielding hood at a tip end of the interchangeable lens200. The accessory placement portion 272 is composed of mechanicalmembers such as a screw and a bayonet. Furthermore, the accessoryplacement portion 272 includes a detector that detects whether or not anaccessory has been placed. When the accessory is placed, the accessoryplacement portion 272 notifies the CPU 210 of the placement of theaccessory.

[1-1-4 State of Mirror Box]

The state in the mirror box 120 in each operation state will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the state in the mirror box 120 in amode of observing a subject image using the optical viewfinder. In thepresent specification, for convenience, this state will be referred toas a “state A”. In the state A, the movable mirrors 121 a, 121 b arepositioned in the optical path of the optical signal incident from theinterchangeable lens 200. Therefore, a part of the optical signal fromthe interchangeable lens 200 is reflected by the movable mirror 121 a,and the remaining part thereof is transmitted through the movable mirror121 a. The reflected optical signal passes through the focusing glass125, the prism 126, and the eyepiece 136 to reach the user's eye.Furthermore, the optical signal reflected by the movable mirror 121 a isreflected by the focusing glass 125, and a part of the reflected opticalsignal is incident upon the AE sensor 133. On the other hand, a part ofthe optical signal transmitted through the movable mirror 121 a isreflected by the movable mirror 121 b to reach the AF sensor 132.Furthermore, in the state A, a first shutter 123 a is closed. Therefore,the optical signal from the interchangeable lens 200 does not reach theCMOS sensor 130. Thus, in the state A, the observation of the subjectimage using the optical viewfinder, the autofocus operation using the AFsensor 132, and the photometric operation using the AE sensor 133 can beperformed. However, the observation of the subject image using theliquid crystal monitor 150, the recording of the image data generated bythe CMOS sensor 130, and the autofocus operation using the contrast ofthe image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 cannot be performed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the state in the mirror box 120 in amode in which the subject image is input to the CMOS sensor 130. In thespecification, for convenience, this state will be referred to as a“state B”. In the state B, the movable mirrors 121 a, 121 b are notpositioned in the optical path of the optical signal incident from theinterchangeable lens 200. Therefore, the optical signal from theinterchangeable lens 200 does not pass through the focusing glass 125,the prism 126, and the eyepiece 136 to reach the user's eye, and doesnot reach the AF sensor 132 and the AE sensor 133, either. Furthermore,in the state B, the first shutter 123 a and the second shutter 123 b areopened. Therefore, the optical signal from the interchangeable lens 200reaches the CMOS sensor 130. Thus, in the state B, contrary to the stateA, the observation of the subject image using the liquid crystal monitor150, the recording of the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130,and the autofocus operation using the contrast of the image datagenerated by the CMOS sensor 130 can be performed. However, theobservation of the subject image using the optical viewfinder, theautofocus operation using the AF sensor 132, and the photometricoperation using the AE sensor 133 cannot be performed. The movablemirrors 121 a, 121 b, and the first shutter 123 a are biased in adirection in which the state A is shifted to the state B by biasingmeans such as a spring. Therefore, the state A can be shifted to thestate B instantaneously, which is preferable for starting exposure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the state in the mirror box 120immediately after the exposure of the subject image with respect to theCMOS sensor 130 is completed. In the present specification, forconvenience, this state will be referred to as a “state C”. In the stateC, the movable mirrors 121 a, 121 b are not positioned in the opticalpath of the optical signal incident from the interchangeable lens 200.Therefore, the optical signal from the interchangeable lens 200 does notpass through the focusing glass 125, the prism 126, and the eyepiece 136to reach the user's eye, and does not reach the AF sensor 132 and the AEsensor 133, either. Furthermore, in the state C, the second shutter 123b is closed while the first shutter 123 a is opened. Therefore, theoptical signal from the interchangeable lens 200 does not reach the CMOSsensor 130. Thus, in the state C, the observation of the subject imageusing the liquid crystal monitor 150, the recording of the image datagenerated by the CMOS sensor 130, the autofocus operation using thecontrast of image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130, the observationof the subject image using the optical viewfinder, the autofocusoperation using the AF sensor, and the photometric operation using theAE sensor 133 cannot be performed. The second shutter 123 b is biased inthe closing direction, so that the state B can be shifted to the state Cinstantaneously. Therefore, the state C is in a state optimum forcompleting the exposure of the CMOS sensor 130.

As described above, the state A can be shifted to the state B directly.In contrast, the state B cannot be shifted to the state A without thestate C, in terms of the constriction of the mechanism of the mirror box120. However, this is a technical problem in the mechanism in the mirrorbox 120, so that a mechanism capable of directly shifting the state B tothe state A without the state C may be adopted.

[1-1-5 Correspondence Between Configuration of Present Embodiment andConfiguration of Present Invention]

The configuration including the focusing glass 125, the prism 126, andthe eyepiece 136 is an example of an optical viewfinder of the presentinvention. The optical system including the objective lens 220, the zoomlens 230, the correction lens 251, and the focus lens 260 is an exampleof an image pickup optical system of the present invention. The movablemirrors 121 a, 121 b are examples of a movable mirror of the presentinvention. The CMOS sensor 130 is an example of an image pickup elementof the present invention. The liquid crystal monitor 150 is an exampleof a display portion of the present invention. The microcomputer 110 isan example of a control portion of the present invention. In this case,the control portion may include the CPU 210 in addition to themicrocomputer 110. The LV preview button 140 j is an example of adiaphragm adjustment instruction receiving portion of the presentinvention. The microcomputer 110 is an example of image processing meansof the present invention. The full depression manipulation receivingfunction of the release button 141 is an example of a release portion ofthe present invention. Similarly, the remote control receiving portion155 that receives an instruction for the start of capturing an image forrecording from the remote controller is an example of the releaseportion of the present invention. The AF sensor 132 is an example of adistance-measuring portion of the present invention. The configurationincluding the microcomputer 110, the CPU 210, the focus motor 261, andthe focus lens 260 is an example of an autofocus portion of the presentinvention. The configuration including the focus lens 260 and the focusring 262 is an example of manual focus means of the present invention.The memory card 300 is an example of a recording portion of the presentinvention. The halfway depression receiving function of the releasebutton 141 is an example of an AF start instruction receiving portion ofthe present invention. Similarly, the remote control receiving portion155 that receives an instruction for the start of autofocusing from theremote controller is an example of an AF start instruction receivingportion of the present invention. The buffer 111 is an example ofstorage means of the present invention. The supersonic vibrationgenerator 134 is an example of a foreign matter removing portion of thepresent invention. The diaphragm ring 242 is an example of a diaphragmmanipulation portion of the present invention. The menu button 140 a isan example of a setting manipulation portion of the present invention.The battery box 143 is an example of a battery accommodating portion ofthe present invention. The power supply switch 142 is an example of apower supply manipulation portion of the present invention. The externalterminal 152 is an example of an output terminal of the presentinvention. The gyrosensor 252 is an example of a shock detecting portionof the present invention.

[1-2 Operation of Camera 10]

The operation of the camera 10 in Embodiment 1 will be described withreference to FIGS. 7-24.

[1-2-1 Display Operation of Real-Time Image]

The display operation for observing the subject image formed by theinterchangeable lens 200 in real time will be described. As the displayoperation, two operations are set. The first one is an operation usingthe optical viewfinder, and the second one is an operation using theliquid crystal monitor 150. These operations will be described below indetail.

In the live view, a subject image only needs to be displayed on theliquid crystal monitor 150 in real time, and the image data displayed onthe liquid crystal monitor 150 may or may not be stored simultaneouslyin storage means such as the memory card 300.

Furthermore, when the live view is displayed, it is necessary to allowthe optical signal from the interchangeable lens 200 to reach the CMOSsensor 130, so that the inside of the mirror box 120 needs to be shiftedto the state B shown in FIG. 5. However, even if the microcomputer 110is set in the live view mode, it is necessary to set the inside of themirror box 120 to the state A or the state C in addition to the state B,in accordance with each state of the image pickup operation, autofocusoperation, automatic exposure control operation, or the like, and aperiod during which the liquid crystal monitor 150 cannot display a liveview also occurs.

Furthermore, as described above, in the live view, a subject image isdisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 250 in real time. However, theterm “real time” does not have a strict meaning, and there may be sometime delay from an actual operation of a subject as long as the user canfeel real time in a common sense. The liquid crystal monitor 150generally is considered to perform a live view display with a time delayof about 0.1 seconds (this time may be some longer or shorter dependingupon hardware and the like of the camera 10), and the case of a delay ofabout 1 to 5 seconds may be included in the concept of the live viewdisplay as a subject image display in real time.

[1-2-1-1 Operation During Use of Optical Viewfinder]

The user can switch between the live view mode and the opticalviewfinder mode (hereinafter, for convenience, referred to as an OVFmode) by sliding the viewfinder switch 140 e shown in FIG. 3.

When the user slides the viewfinder switch 140 e to the OVF mode side,the microcomputer 110 is set in the OVF mode. Then, the microcomputer110 controls the mirror driving portion 122 and the shutter drivingportion 124 to shift the inside of the mirror box 120 to the state Ashown in FIG. 1. Consequently, the user can observe a subject image inreal time through the eyepiece 136. Furthermore, in the state A, asdescribed above, the autofocus operation using the AF sensor 132 and thephotometric operation using the AE sensor 133 can be performed.

[1-2-1-2 Operation During Use of Liquid Crystal Monitor]

In the OVF mode, when the user slides the viewfinder switch 140 e to thelive view mode side, the microcomputer 110 is set in the live view mode.More specifically, the microcomputer 110 controls the mirror drivingportion 122 and the shutter driving portion 124 to shift the inside ofthe mirror box 120 to the state B shown in FIG. 5. Because of this, theuser can observe the subject image in real time, using the liquidcrystal monitor 150.

[1-2-2 Adjustment of Diaphragm and Display Operation of Real-Time Image]

[1-2-2-1 Operation During Use of Optical Viewfinder]

In the state A, generally, the diaphragm 240 is opened. When an imagepickup operation is started from the state A, the diaphragm 240 isstopped down in accordance with the amount of light incident upon theinterchangeable lens 200. Thus, the opened state of the diaphragm 240varies between the ordinary state of the state A and the image pickupoperation. When the opened state of the diaphragm 240 varies, the depthof field becomes different. Therefore, in the ordinary state of thestate A, the depth of field when an image for recording is capturedcannot be observed. In order to solve this problem, the AV button 140 mis provided. The user can observe the depth of field when an image forrecording is captured with the optical viewfinder by pressing the AVbutton 140 m. This operation will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the AV button 140 mis pressed in the OVF mode. In FIG. 7, the microcomputer 110 originallyis set in the OVF mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120is in the state A shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110monitors whether or not the AV button 140 m is pressed (S701). When theuser presses the AV button 140 m in this state, the microcomputer 110detects that the AV button 140 m has been pressed, and starts measuringan exposure amount (S702). Specifically, the microcomputer 110 allowsthe AE sensor 133 to measure the light amount of the optical signal thatis incident upon the interchangeable lens 200, is reflected by themovable mirror 121 b, and is incident upon the AE sensor 133. Themicrocomputer 110 calculates an appropriate aperture value (f-number) ofthe diaphragm 240 and a shutter speed while an image for recording isbeing captured, based on the measurement results and the current openedstate of the diaphragm 240. The microcomputer 110 sends the calculatedf-number to the CPU 210. The CPU 210 controls the motor 241 based on thereceived f-number. The motor 241 adjusts the diaphragm 240 based on thecontrol of the CPU 210 (S703).

In the case where the above operation is performed in the autofocus modeusing the AF sensor 132, the autofocus operation as well as thephotometric operation can be performed in Steps S702 and S703.

Thus, by providing the AV button 140 m, the depth of field can beobserved instantaneously with respect to a subject image while an imagefor recording is being captured, so that the operability issatisfactory.

[1-2-2-2 Operation During Use of Liquid Crystal Monitor]

In the case where the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state B,generally, the diaphragm 240 is opened. When an image pickup operationis started from the state B, the degree of opening of the diaphragm 240is controlled to be small in accordance with the amount of lightincident upon the interchangeable lens 200. Thus, the opened state ofthe diaphragm 240 varies between the ordinary state of the state B andthe image pickup operation. When the opened state of the diaphragm 240varies, the depth of field becomes different. Therefore, the depth offield while an image for recording is being captured cannot be observedin the ordinary state of the state B. In order to solve this problem,the stop-down button 140 k and the LV preview button 140 j are provided.The user can observe the depth of field while an image for recording isbeing captured in a live view display by pressing the stop-down button140 k or the LV preview button 140 j. Each operation will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the stop-downbutton 140 k is pressed in the live view mode. In FIG. 8, themicrocomputer 110 originally is set in the live view mode. At this time,the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state B shown in FIG. 5.Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the stop-downbutton 140 k is pressed (S801). When the user presses the stop-downbutton 140 k in this state, the microcomputer 110 detects that thestop-down button 140 k has been pressed, and shifts the state of themirror box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S802).When the shift to the state A is completed, the measurement by the AEsensor 133 becomes possible, so that the microcomputer 110 startsmeasuring an exposure amount (S803). Specifically, the microcomputer 110allows the AE sensor 133 to measure the light amount of the opticalsignal that is incident upon the interchangeable lens 200, is reflectedby the movable mirror 121 a, is diffused by the focusing glass 125, andis incident upon the AE sensor 133. The microcomputer 110 calculates anappropriate aperture value (f-number) of the diaphragm 240 and a shutterspeed while an image for recording is being captured, based on themeasurement results, and the current opened state of the diaphragm 240.The microcomputer 110 sends the calculated f-number to the CPU 210. TheCPU 210 controls the motor 241 based on the received f-number. The motor241 adjusts the diaphragm 240 based on the control of the CPU 210(S804). After that, the microcomputer 110 returns the inside of themirror box 120 from the state A to the state B, and restarts a live viewoperation (S805).

During a period from Step S802 to Step S804 shown in FIG. 8, a live viewdisplay cannot be performed. During this period, no image may bedisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 (this state is referred toas a “blackout state”), or the setting information on the camera 10 maybe displayed, or the information on the current states of the automaticexposure control operation and the autofocus operation may be displayed,or the image data displayed in the immediately proceeding live view maybe displayed, or the predetermined image data may be displayed. In orderto display the image data displayed in the immediately proceeding liveview, the microcomputer 110 always needs to save the image data obtainedduring the live view operation in the buffer 111 temporarily, and updatethe image data in the buffer 111.

Furthermore, in the case where the above operation is performed in theautofocus mode using the AF sensor 132, the autofocus operation as wellas the automatic exposure control operation are performed in Steps S803and S804.

Thus, by providing the stop-down button 140 k, in the case of capturingan image for recording, it can be checked instantaneously what depth offield the subject image has, so that the operability is satisfactory.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live viewpreview button 140 j is pressed in the live view mode. In FIG. 9, theoperations shown in Steps S901 to S905 are similar to those shown inSteps S801 to S805, so that the description thereof will be omitted.When the shift from the state A to the state B is completed in StepS905, the microcomputer 110 displays a region R2 that is a part of theimage data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 in an enlarged state asshown in FIG. 10. The part in the screen that is set to be the region Rto be enlarged can be changed by operating the cross key 140 b and thelike.

Thus, by providing the live view preview button 140 j, a place whosedepth of field is required to be checked can be enlargedinstantaneously, so that the depth of field can be checked easily.

[1-2-3 Image Pickup Operation of Image for Recording]

Next, an operation in the case of capturing an image for recording willbe described. In order to capture an image for recording, it isnecessary to adjust a focus intended by the user previously. As a methodfor adjusting a focus, there are a manual focus system, a single focussystem, a continuous focus system, and the like.

By operating the focus mode switch 140 f shown in FIG. 3, the manualfocus mode and the autofocus mode can be switched therebetween.Furthermore, by pressing the menu button 140 a to call up a menu screen,either the signal focus mode or the continuous focus mode can beselected in the autofocus mode.

[1-2-3-1 Manual Focus Image Pickup Operation]

According to the manual focus system, a focus state is changed inaccordance with the operation of the focus ring 262 by the user, and afocus can be set according to the user's preference. On the other hand,according to the manual focus system, if the user is not familiar with amanipulation, there is a problem that time and labor are needed foradjusting a focus. The case of capturing an image while visuallyrecognizing the image through the optical viewfinder and the case ofcapturing an image while visually recognizing the image on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 13.

[1-2-3-1-1 Image Pickup Operation Using Optical Viewfinder]

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using the optical viewfinder in the manual focus mode.

In FIG. 11, in the case of capturing an image in the OVF mode, theinside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown in FIG. 1. The useradjusts a focus and a composition while checking a subject image throughthe eyepiece 136 before capturing the image. The user can adjust a focusby manipulating the focus ring 262 (S1101).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release button 141 hasbeen pressed fully in parallel with Step S1101 (S1102).

In the case of detecting that the release button 141 has been pressedfully, the microcomputer 110 controls the mirror driving portion 122 andthe shutter driving portion 124 to shift the inside of the mirror box120 from the state A to the state B (S1103).

Next, the microcomputer 110 exposes an optical signal from theinterchangeable lens 200 to the CMOS sensor 130, thereby allowing animage for recording to be captured (S1104).

When a time corresponding to a shutter speed has elapsed, themicrocomputer 100 controls the shutter driving portion 124 so as toclose the second shutter 123 b, and completes the exposure (State C).After that, the microcomputer 110 controls so that the inside of themirror box 120 is returned to the state A (S1105).

The microcomputer 110 receives the image data generated by the CMOSsensor 130, and temporarily stores it in the buffer 111. The image datastored at this time is, for example, image data composed of an RGBcomponent. The microcomputer 110 subjects the image data stored in thebuffer 111 to predetermined image processing such as YC conversionprocessing, resizing processing, and compression processing, therebygenerating image data for recording (S1106).

The microcomputer 110 finally generates an image file pursuant to, forexample, an Exif (Exchangeable image file format) specification. Themicrocomputer 110 allows the generated image file to be stored in thememory card 300 via the card slot 153 (S1107).

Hereinafter, the image file finally created by the microcomputer 110will be described.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a configuration of the image file.As shown in FIG. 12, the image file contains a header portion D1 and animage data portion D2. The image data portion D2 stores image data forrecording. The header portion D1 contains various pieces of informationstorage portion D11 and a thumbnail image D12. The various pieces ofinformation storage portion D11 include a plurality of storage portionsstoring various pieces of information such as image pickup conditions(e.g., an exposure condition, a white balance condition, an image pickupdate, etc.). One of the storage portions includes a finder modeinformation storage portion D111. The finder mode storage portion D111stores either “LV” or “OVF” as information. When an image pickupoperation is performed in the case where the live view mode is set, themicrocomputer 110 stores “LV” information in the finder mode informationstorage portion D111 of an image file thus generated. In contrast, whenan image pickup operation is performed under the condition that the OVFmode is set, the microcomputer 110 stores “OV” information in the findermode information storage portion D111 of an image file thus generated.

Consequently, by analyzing the header portion D1 of the generated imagefile, it can be understood easily whether the image data contained inthe image file is generated in the live view mode or in the OVF mode.Using this, the user can grasp the relationship between the quality ofhis/her own captured image and the finder mode. This can contribute tothe enhancement of a photographic technique and the like.

Although “LV” or “OVF” is selected to be stored, it may be determinedwhether or not an image has been captured in the live view mode based onwhether or not “LV” or “OVF” is stored, using only either one of “LV”and “OVF”. For example, the following may be possible: in the case wherean image is captured in the live view mode, “LV” information is stored,and in the case where an image is captured in the OVF mode, noinformation is stored.

Furthermore, in Step S1104, various displays can be performed on theliquid crystal monitor 150. For example, at the beginning of Step S1104,the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 may be read to themicrocomputer 110 prior to the image data for recording, and the readimage data may be displayed. Furthermore, the liquid crystal monitor 150may be set to be a blackout display. Furthermore, a live view imagestored in the buffer 111 may be displayed before full depression isperformed. Furthermore, the setting information on the camera 10,information representing an operation state, and the like may bedisplayed.

Furthermore, in Steps S1103 and S1105, various displays can be performedon the liquid crystal monitor 150. For example, the liquid crystalmonitor 150 may be set to be a blackout display. Furthermore, a liveview image stored in the buffer 111 may be displayed before fulldepression is performed. Furthermore, the setting information on thecamera 10, information showing an operation state, and the like may bedisplayed.

Furthermore, in Steps S1101 and S1102, the inside of the mirror box 120is in the state A. Therefore, the AF sensor 132 is in a state capable ofmeasuring a distance. The microcomputer 110 can control so as to displaythe measurement results (a defocus value, etc.) measured in the AFsensor 132 or information based on the measurement results on the liquidcrystal monitor 150. Due to such control, the user can check if a focusis adjusted based on the information displayed on the liquid crystalmonitor 150 as well as an image during the manual focus manipulation.Therefore, a focus can be adjusted exactly even in the manualmanipulation. As a method for displaying measurement results measured bythe AF sensor 132 or information based on the measurement results, thedisplay of numerical values, display of a bar graph, display of a linegraph, display of a mark representing the degree of a defocus value, andthe like are considered.

[1-2-3-1-2 Image Pickup Operation Using Liquid Crystal Monitor]

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the manual focus mode.

In FIG. 13, in the case of capturing an image in the live view mode, theinside of the mirror box 120 is in the state B shown in FIG. 5. The useradjusts a focus and a composition while checking a subject image throughthe liquid crystal monitor 150 before capturing the image. In order toadjust a focus, the user manipulates the focus ring 262 (S1301).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release button 141 hasbeen pressed fully in parallel with Step S1301 (S1302).

In the case of detecting that the release button 141 has been pressedfully, the microcomputer 110 controls the mirror driving portion 122 andthe shutter driving portion 124 to shift the inside of the mirror box120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S1303).

The reason why the inside of the mirror box 120 is first set to be inthe state A is to disconnect the optical signal incident upon the CMOSsensor 130 with the shutter 123 first and allow the CMOS sensor 130 toprepare for the start of exposure. Examples of the preparation for thestart of exposure include the removal of unnecessary charge in eachpixel.

The subsequent operations shown in Steps S1304 to S1306 are similar tothose shown in Steps S1103 to S1105 in FIG. 11, so that the descriptionthereof will be omitted.

When the exposure is completed, and the inside of the mirror box 120 isset to be in the state A (S1306), the microcomputer 110 returns theinside of the mirror box 120 to the state B again, and restarts a liveview display (S1307).

The microcomputer 110 performs image processing and recording of animage for recording in parallel with Step S1307 (S1308, S1309). Theoperations shown in Steps S1308 and S1309 are similar to those shown inSteps 1106 and 1107 in FIG. 11, so that the detailed description will beomitted.

During the operations shown in Steps S1303 to S1309, various displayscan be performed on the liquid crystal monitor 150. This is similar tothe case in the operations shown in Steps S1103 to S1107 in FIG. 11, sothat the description will be omitted.

Furthermore, even in Steps S1308 and S1309, various displays can beperformed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in addition to the live viewdisplay.

As described above, in Steps S1308 and S1309, since the inside of themirror box 120 is in the state B, a live view display can be performed.However, in Steps S1308 and S1309, a large part of the control abilityof the microcomputer 110 is assigned to image processing and recordingprocessing. Therefore, in Steps S1308 and S1309, it is preferable thatthe burden on the microcomputer 110, other than the image processing andrecording processing, is minimized. In Steps S1308 and S1309, a liveview display is avoided. Because of this, the microcomputer 110 is notrequired to assign the processing ability for a live view display, sothat image processing and recording processing can be performed rapidly.

As the form in which a live view display is not performed, for example,the liquid crystal monitor 150 may be set to be a blackout display.Furthermore, a live view image stored in the buffer 111 may be displayedbefore full depression is performed. Furthermore, the settinginformation on the camera 10, information representing an operationstate, and the like may be displayed.

Furthermore, in Steps S1301 and S1302, the inside of the mirror box 120is in the state B. Therefore, the microcomputer 110 can calculate thedegree of contrast of image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130. Asthe method for calculating the degree of contrast, a method forintegrating a high frequency component in a spatial frequency of abrightness signal of image data over the entire surface or in apredetermined range of the image data, and the like are considered. Themicrocomputer 110 can control so that the degree of contrast of thecalculated image data or information based thereon are displayed on theliquid crystal monitor 150 so as to overlap the live view display. Dueto such control, the user can check if a focus is adjusted based on theinformation displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 as well as theimage during a manual manipulation. Therefore, a focus can be adjustedexactly even in the manual operation. As the method for displaying thedegree of contrast of the calculated image data or the information basedthereon, the display of numerical values, display of a bar graph,display of a line graph, display of a mark representing the degree of adefocus value, and the like are considered.

[1-2-3-2 Single Focus Image Pickup Operation]

According to the single focus system, an autofocus operation isperformed in accordance with the halfway depression of the releasebutton 141, and the focus state thus obtained is retained. The retentionof the focus state is referred to as “focus lock”. The focus lock iskept until image pickup of an image for recording is completed or thehalfway depression of the release button 141 is cancelled. The userselects the single focus system to first adjust a focus to a point wherethe user desires to adjust the focus, and thereafter, adjusts acomposition, thereby capturing a favorite image. Hereinafter, anoperation in the case of capturing an image using the optical viewfinderand an operation in the case of capturing an image using the liquidcrystal monitor 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

[1-2-3-2-1 Image Pickup Operation Using Optical Viewfinder]

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using the optical viewfinder in the single focus mode.

116 In FIG. 14, in the case of capturing an image in the OVF mode, theinside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown in FIG. 1. The useradjusts a focus and a composition while checking a subject image throughthe eyepiece 136. The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the userpresses the release button 141 halfway so as to adjust a focus (S1401).

When the user presses the release button 141 halfway, the autofocusoperation based on the measurement results of the AF sensor 132 isstarted, and the focus state thus obtained is locked (S1402).

Even after the focus state is locked, the user can adjust a focusmanually using the focus ring 262 (S1403).

During Step S1403, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not therelease button 141 is pressed fully (S1404).

When the halfway depression of the release button 141 is cancelledduring Steps S1401 to S1404, the microcomputer 110 cancels a focus lock,and returns the state to the one in which autofocus can be performed.Therefore, when the user presses the release button 141 halfway again, anew focus state is locked.

The subsequent operations in Steps S1405 to S1409 are similar to thosein Steps S1103 to S1107 in FIG. 11, so that the description thereof willbe omitted. Furthermore, various displays can be performed on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 in Steps S1405 to S1409 in the same way as in StepsS1103 to S1107 in FIG. 11, so that the description thereof will beomitted.

As described above, even after the state is locked once in Step S1402,manual focus adjustment using the focus ring 262 can be performed(S1403), whereby minute focus adjustment can be performed. Therefore, afocus state according to the user's preference can be set.

In the case where the automatic exposure mode is set, the automaticexposure control operation is performed between Steps S1404 and S1405.Specifically, the automatic exposure control operation is performedduring a period from a time when the release button 141 is pressed fullyto a time when the inside of the mirror box 120 becomes the state B.

Herein, the detail of the automatic exposure control operation will bedescribed. The AE sensor 133 performs photometry, and the photometricdata thus measured is transmitted to the microcomputer 110. Themicrocomputer 110 calculates an f number and a shutter speed based onthe obtained photometric data. The microcomputer 110 transmits thecalculated f-number to the CPU 210. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110prepares so as to control the shutter driving portion 124 and the CMOSsensor 130 so as to obtain the calculated shutter speed. The CPU 210controls the motor 241 based on the received f-number. The motor 241adjusts an aperture size of the diaphragm 240 in accordance with thecontrol of the CPU 210. The above operations are performed during aperiod from a time when the release button 141 is pressed fully to atime when the inside of the mirror box 120 becomes the state B.

The timing at which the automatic exposure control operation isperformed is not limited to the above timing. For example, in Step 1302,the automatic exposure control based on the measurement results of theAE sensor 133 may be performed together with the autofocus control.

Furthermore, the automatic exposure control operation may be performedafter the autofocus control is completed. When the AF sensor 132measures a distance, it is necessary to open the diaphragm 240 to, forexample, F6.5 or more. The reason for this is to allow a line sensor inthe AF sensor 132 to form a subject image sufficiently. The measurementby the AF sensor can be completed exactly by adjusting the aperture sizeof the diaphragm 240 after the completion of the autofocus control.

Furthermore, after the measurement of the AF sensor 132, the autofocuscontrol and the adjustment of an aperture size of the diaphragm 240 maybe performed in parallel. Because of this, the diaphragm 240 is drivenwithout waiting for the completion of the autofocus operation, so that atime required for setting the diaphragm 240 can be shortened.

[1-2-3-2-2 Image Pickup Operation Using Liquid Crystal Monitor]

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the single focus mode.

In FIG. 15, in the case of capturing an image in the live view mode, theinside of the mirror box 120 originally is in the state B shown in FIG.5. The user adjusts a focus and a composition while checking a subjectimage through the liquid crystal monitor 150 before capturing the image.The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the user presses therelease button 141 halfway so as to adjust a focus (S1501).

When the user presses the release button 141 halfway, the microcomputer110 starts a timer in the microcomputer 110 (S1502).

The microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from thestate B to the state A via the state C in parallel with Step S1502(S1503), and starts the autofocus operation based on the measurementresults of the AF sensor 132 and locks the focus state thus obtained(S1504). The reason why the inside of the mirror box 120 is shifted tothe state A in S1503 is to measure a distance with the AF sensor 132.

Even after the focus is locked, manual focus adjustment using the focusring 262 can be performed (S1505).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release button 141 ispressed fully while the focus ring 262 is being manipulated (S1506).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release button 141 ispressed fully before a predetermined time elapses after the halfwaydepression (S1507). When the release button 141 is pressed fully beforea predetermined time elapses after the release button 141 is pressedhalfway, the microcomputer 110 is shifted to Step S1512, and starts animage pickup operation immediately. On the other hand, when apredetermined time elapses after the halfway depression with the releasebutton 141 is not pressed fully, the microcomputer 110 is shifted toStep S1508.

In Step S1508, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box120 from the state A to the state B. Because of this, the camera 10 candisplay a subject image on the liquid crystal monitor 150 under thecondition that a focus is locked. Therefore, the user can determine afavorite composition by watching an image displayed on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 while keeping the focus in a favorite state.

Next, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release button141 is pressed fully (S1510).

While Step S1510 is being performed, a focus state can be changedmanually using the focus ring 262 in the same way as in Step S1504 (S1509).

During Steps S1501 to S1510, in the same way as in Steps S1401 to S1404in FIG. 14, when the halfway depression of the release button 141 iscancelled, the microcomputer 110 cancels a focus lock, and returns thestate to the one in which an autofocus can be performed again.Therefore, when the release button 141 is pressed halfway again, a newfocus state is locked.

The subsequent operations in Steps S1511 to S1517 are similar to thosein S1303 to S1309 in FIG. 13, so that the description thereof will beomitted.

As described above, merely by pressing the release button 141 halfway,after the movable mirror 121 is moved down to measure a distance, thecamera 10 returns to the live view mode. Because of this, with a simplemanipulation of pressing the release button 141 halfway, the operationsfrom the autofocus operation using the AF sensor 132 to the live viewdisplay can be performed easily. Therefore, the user can adjust acomposition in the live view display when a subject is focused by asimple manipulation.

Furthermore, when the user desires to change a composition whilewatching the liquid crystal monitor 150 after determining a focus state,the user only need to wait until a predetermined time elapses afterpressing the release button 141 halfway. On the other hand, in the caseof pressing the release button 141 fully immediately after pressing ithalfway, an image starts being captured without a live view display(S1508-S1511 are skipped in S1506), so that a time from the halfwaydepression to the start of capturing an image can be shortened. This isbecause the movable mirror is prevented from being moved up/downunnecessarily. Therefore, the user can capture a favorite image withoutletting a shutter timing slip away.

In Steps S1511 to S1517, various displays can be performed on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 in the same way as in Steps S1103 to S1107.

Furthermore, a live view cannot be displayed in the autofocus operation(S1504) and the image pickup operation (S1513). Alternatively, even whena live view can be displayed for a short period of time, it is difficultto display it continuously. This is because the movable mirror 121 ismoved down in the autofocus operation (S1504). Furthermore, in the imagepickup operation (S1513), it is difficult for the CMOS sensor 130 tooutput image data during exposure. Thus, it is considered that an imageother than a live view is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 inthese cases. In this case, it is preferable to vary a method fordisplaying an image on the liquid crystal monitor 130 or a method fornot displaying an image on the liquid crystal monitor 130 between theautofocus operation (S1504) and the image pickup operation (S1513). Thedisplay on the liquid crystal monitor 130 varies, so that it is easy torecognize whether the autofocus operation or the image pickup operationis being performed. Because of this, the movable mirror 121 is moved upand down in the autofocus operation and the image pickup operation.Therefore, the problem that the user is likely to confuse both theoperations since the patterns of sounds generated from the mirror box120 are similar to each other can be solved. There are various displayor non-display examples. For example, during the autofocus operation,image data stored immediately before in the buffer 111 may be displayedon the liquid crystal monitor 150, and during the image pickupoperation, the liquid crystal monitor 150 may be set to be a blackout(nothing is displayed), or vice versa. Furthermore, during the autofocusoperation, information representing it (e.g., a message “duringauto-focusing”) may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, andduring the image pickup operation, information representing it (e.g., amessage “during capturing of an image”) may be displayed on the liquidcrystal monitor 150.

Furthermore, the timing at which the automatic exposure controloperation is performed can be set variously. This point is similar tothat described in “1-2-3-2-1 Image pickup operation using opticalviewfinder”.

Furthermore, in the above, it is determined whether or not a live viewmode is recovered based on whether or not a predetermined time elapsesfrom halfway depression. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto. For example, it may be determined whether or not a live viewmode is recovered based on whether or not the full down depression isperformed before or after the completion of an autofocus operation. Morespecifically, the following may be possible. In the case where anautofocus operation is started in accordance with halfway depression,and full depression is performed before the completion of the autofocusoperation, the camera 10 is shifted directly to an image pickupoperation of an image for recording. On the other hand, in the casewhere full depression is not performed before the completion of theautofocus operation, the camera 10 is first shifted to a live view mode,and thereafter, is shifted to an image pickup operation of an image forrecording when full depression is performed.

[1-2-3-3 Continuous Focus Image Pickup Operation]

According to the continuous focus system, an autofocus operation isperformed in accordance with halfway depression of the release button141, and during the halfway depression, the autofocus operation isrepeated continuously to update a focus state. The update of the focusstate is continued until the image pickup of an image for recording isfinished or the halfway depression of the release button 141 iscancelled. The user can focus a particular subject repeatedly byselecting the continuous focus system. Therefore, the continuous focussystem is particularly advantageous for capturing a moving subject.

[1-2-3-3-1 Operation During Image Pickup Using Optical Viewfinder]

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using an optical viewfinder in the continuous focus mode.

In FIG. 16, in the case of capturing an image in the OVF mode, theinside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown in FIG. 1. The useradjusts a focus and a composition while checking a subject image throughthe eyepiece 136 before capturing the image. The microcomputer 110monitors whether or not the user presses the release button 141 halfwayso as to adjust a focus (S1601).

When the user presses the release button 141 halfway, the autofocusoperation based on the measurement results of the AF sensor 132 isstarted (S1602).

Then, while the user is pressing the release button 141 halfway, the CPU210 updates a focus state based on the measurement results of the AFsensor 132 regarding the distance to the subject. During this time, themicrocomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release button 141 ispressed fully (S1603).

The subsequent operations in Steps S1604 to S1608 are similar to thosein Steps S1103 to S1107 in FIG. 11, so that the description thereof willbe omitted. Furthermore, in Steps S1604 to S1608, various displays canbe performed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the same way as inSteps S1103 to S1107 in FIG. 11, so that the description thereof will beomitted.

When the halfway depression is cancelled before the user presses therelease button 141 fully, the CPU 210 stops the autofocus operationbased on the measurement results of the AF sensor 132.

Furthermore, the timing at which the automatic exposure controloperation is performed can be set variously. This point is the same asthat described in “1-2-3-2-1 Image pickup using optical viewfinder”.

[1-2-3-3-2 Image Pickup Operation Using Liquid Crystal Monitor]

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image iscaptured using the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the continuous focusmode. In the present operation, the autofocus operation uses both anautofocus operation of a system using image data generated by the CMOSsensor 130 and an autofocus of a system using the measurement results ofthe AF sensor 132.

Herein, as an autofocus operation of a system using the image datagenerated by the CMOS sensor 130, for example, an autofocus operation ofa so-called “mountain-climbing system” is considered. According to theautofocus operation of the mountain-climbing system, a contrast value ofimage data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 is monitored while the focuslens 260 is operated minutely, and the focus lens is positioned in adirection of a large contrast value.

In FIG. 17, in the case of capturing an image in a live view mode, theinside of the mirror box 120 originally is in the state B shown in FIG.5. The user adjusts a focus and a composition while checking a subjectimage through the liquid crystal monitor 150 before capturing the image.The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the user presses therelease button 141 halfway so as to adjust a focus (S1701).

When the user presses the release button 141 halfway, the microcomputer110 starts the autofocus operation based on the contrast of the imagedata generated by the CMOS sensor 130 (S1702).

While the user is pressing the release button 141 halfway, the CPU 210updates a focus state based on the above-mentioned contrast. During thistime, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release button141 is pressed fully (S1703).

Upon detecting that the release button 141 has been pressed fully inStep S1703, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S1704).

Next, the microcomputer 110 controls so that an autofocus operation isperformed based on the measurement results of the AF sensor 132 (S1705).

Thereafter, the operations from the image pickup operation to therecording operation are performed (S1706-S1711). These operations aresimilar to those in Steps S1512 to S1517 in FIG. 15, so that thedetailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, by using the autofocus operation based on the imagedata generated by the CMOS sensor 130 and the autofocus operation basedon the measurement results of the AF sensor 132, even when the movablemirror 121 is not positioned in an optical path and when the movablemirror 121 is positioned in the optical path, an autofocus operation canbe performed.

Furthermore, while the release button 141 is being pressed halfway, theautofocus operation based on the image data generated by the CMOS sensor130 is performed, whereby a live view can be displayed on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 continuously while the continuous focus operation isbeing performed.

Furthermore, the autofocus operation based on the measurement results ofthe AF sensor 132 is performed after the release button 141 is pressedfully, so that a focus can be adjusted more exactly immediately beforean image is captured. Particularly, in the case where a subject movingfast is captured, a time from the last autofocus operation (S1705) tothe image pickup operation (S1707) is short, so that a focus can beadjusted easily. More specifically, when the operation is shifted to animage pickup operation of an image for recording in the CMOS sensor 130under the condition that the continuous focus operation is beingperformed based on the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130, themovable mirror 121 is allowed to enter the optical path before theoperation is shifted to the image pickup operation, whereby theautofocus operation based on the measurement results of the AF sensor132 is performed.

When the halfway depression is cancelled before the user presses therelease button 141 fully, the CPU 210 stops the autofocus operationbased on the contrast.

Furthermore, in Step S1705, the photometric operation in the AF sensor133 may be performed together with the autofocus operation.

Furthermore, various displays can be performed on the liquid crystalmonitor 150 in Steps S1706 to S1711 in the same way as in Steps S1103 toS1107.

[1-2-4 Autofocus Operation During Shift to Live View Mode]

The camera 10 in Embodiment 1 performs an autofocus operation when theOVF mode is switched to the live view mode. FIG. 18 is a flowchartillustrating an autofocus operation during shift to the live view mode.

In FIG. 18, during the operation in the OVF mode, the microcomputer 110monitors whether or not the viewfinder switch 140 e can be switched(S1801).

When the viewfinder switch 140 e is switched to the live view mode, themicrocomputer 110 controls so that an autofocus operation is performedbased on the measurement results of the AF sensor 132 (S1802).

When the autofocus operation is completed, the microcomputer 110 shiftsthe inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B(S1803). Then, the microcomputer 110 starts an operation in the liveview mode.

As described above, the autofocus operation is performed when the OVFmode is switched to the live view mode, so that the observation of asubject image can be started on the liquid crystal monitor 150 under thecondition that the subject is focused immediately after the start of alive view. Therefore, a period required from a time when the OVF mode isswitched to the live view mode to a time when a composition is set canbe shortened, so that the operability is satisfactory for the user.

In the flow shown in FIG. 18, the movable mirror 121 is moved up afterthe autofocus operation (S1802). However, the present invention is notlimited thereto, and an autofocus operation can be performed after themovable mirror 121 is moved up. In this case, as the autofocusoperation, it is preferable to perform the autofocus operation based onthe image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130. This is because thisautofocus operation can be performed under the condition that themovable mirror 121 is moved up.

Furthermore, in Step S1802, the photometric operation in the AE sensor133 may be performed together with the autofocus operation.

Furthermore, in the flow shown in FIG. 18, after the autofocus operationis completed, the camera 10 is shifted to a live view mode. However, thepresent invention is not limited thereto, and the camera 10 may beshifted to the live view mode immediately after the measurement in theAF sensor 132. In this case, at least a part of the autofocus operationafter the process of measuring a distance in the AF sensor 132 isperformed in the live view mode. Because of this, the camera 10 can beshifted to the live view mode before the completion of the autofocusoperation, so that a period from a time when the view finder switch 140e is switched to a time when the camera 10 is positioned in the liveview mode can be shortened. Therefore, the operability is satisfactoryfor the user.

[1-2-5 Display of Distance-Measuring Point]

The camera 10 according to Embodiment 1 displays a focused point on theliquid crystal monitor 150 as shown in FIG. 19, when the movable mirror121 is allowed to enter the optical path for an autofocus operation orthe movable mirror 121 is allowed to enter the optical path forpreparing for capturing an image for recording in the CMOS sensor 130.

The camera 10 cannot display a live view on the liquid crystal monitor150 during the autofocus operation or the image pickup operation of animage for recording. Alternatively, even if a live view can be displayedfor a short period of time, it is difficult to display it continuously.This point is as described above. In such a case, it is considered todisplay an image other than a live view on the liquid crystal monitor150. In this case, it is difficult to check which point in a screen isfocused currently. In the case where a live view cannot be displayed asin the autofocus operation or the image pickup operation of an image forrecording, which point on the liquid crystal screen is focused isdisplayed.

The AF sensor 132 has a configuration including a line sensor, animaging lens, a condenser lens, and the like. FIG. 20 is a schematicview showing the arrangement of line sensors 132 a to 132 g included inthe AF sensor 132. As shown in FIG. 20, eight line sensors are placed. Adefocus amount is measured by four sets: a line sensor 132 a and a linesensor 132 b; a line sensor 132 c and a line sensor 132 d; a line sensor132 e and a line sensor 132 f; and a line sensor 132 g and a line sensor132 h.

A method for calculating a defocus amount is as follows. A subject imageincident from the interchangeable lens 200 is divided, and incident uponeach pair of line sensors. Then, each pair of the line sensors 132 a to132 g measures the defocus amount of the received subject image.

After that, the microcomputer 110 selects the largest defocus amountamong those measured by each pair of the line sensors 132 a to 132 h.This means that a subject closest to the camera 10 is selected. Then,the microcomputer 110 transmits the selected defocus amount to the CPU210, and displays, at a position on the screen of the liquid crystalmonitor 150 corresponding to the selected pair of line sensors,information indicating that the position is selected as a point forautofocus. After that the CPU 210 performs autofocus control based onthe information regarding the received distance.

For example, in the case where the microcomputer 110 determines that thedefocus amount measured by the pair composed of the lines sensors 132 aand 132 b is largest, a mark M as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed at aposition on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 150 correspondingto the pair.

The mark M may be displayed when the movable mirror 121 is in theoptical path. The mark M also may be displayed when the liquid crystalmonitor 150 is in a blackout. Furthermore, before allowing the movablemirror 121 to entire the optical path, the image data stored in thebuffer 111 may be read to be displayed, and the mark M may be displayedso as to overwrite the image.

As described above, in the case where an autofocus operation isperformed when the movable mirror 121 is allowed to enter the opticalpath, the mark M representing the focused point is displayed on thescreen of the liquid crystal monitor 154. Therefore, even if a live viewis not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, which subject isfocused can be grasped. Particularly, in Steps S1505 to S1057 in FIG.15, although a live view cannot be displayed until a predetermined timeelapses, the mark M is displayed during a period in which a live viewcannot be displayed, the operation state of the camera 10 can be shownto the user.

Furthermore, by allowing image data stored in the buffer 111 to be readand displayed before allowing the movable mirror 121 to enter theoptical path, and displaying the mark M indicating an autofocus point soas to overwrite the image, which subject is focused can be easilygrasped.

[1-2-6 Dust Automatic Removing Operation]

The camera 10 in Embodiment 1 can remove foreign matter such as dustadhering to the protective material 138 by the supersonic vibrationgenerator 134. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the dust automaticremoving operation.

In FIG. 21, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not a foreignmatter removing button 140 n is manipulated until the foreign matterautomatic removing operation is started (S2101).

The user presses the foreign matter removing button 140 m under thecondition that the interchangeable lens 200 of the camera 10 is directedto a monochromic (e.g., white) subject. Then, the microcomputer 110grasps whether or not a live view mode is set (S2102). The microcomputer110 is shifted to Step 2104 in the case where the live view mode hasalready been set. On the other hand, in the case where the OVF mode isset, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 fromthe state A to the state B (S2103), and thereafter, is shifted to StepS2104.

In Step S2104, the microcomputer 110 allows the image data generated bythe CMOS 140 or image data obtained by subjecting the image datagenerated by the CMOS 140 to predetermined processing to be stored inthe buffer 111. Then, the microcomputer 110 reads the image data storedin the buffer 111, and determines whether the image data is abnormal orsubstantially uniform (S2105). The image data may be determined to beabnormal, for example, in the case where an integrated value of aspatial high-frequency component of the image data exceeds apredetermined value.

In the case where it is determined that the image data is abnormal inStep S2105, the microcomputer 110 determines that foreign matter adheresto the protective material 138 to activate the supersonic vibrationgenerator 134 (S2106). The vibration generated by the supersonicvibration generator 134 is transmitted to the protective material 138,and in many cases, leaves the protective material 138. Consequently,when the foreign matter is displaced from the optical path, and theimage data becomes normal, the supersonic vibration generator 134 isstopped, and the microcomputer 110 is shifted to Step S2108. On theother hand, when the image data remains abnormal, the operation of thesupersonic vibration generator 134 is continued.

In Step S2108, the microcomputer 110 determines whether or not a liveview mode is set before the foreign matter removing button 140 n ismanipulated (S2108). In the case where the live view mode has been set,the microcomputer 110 completes the foreign matter removing operation inthe same state to continue the live view operation. On the other hand,in the case where the OVF mode has been set, the microcomputer 110shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the state Avia the state C, and is shifted to the operation in the OVF mode(S2109), and continues to be operated in that state.

As described above, by a simple operation of pressing the foreign matterremoving button 140 n, the live view mode is set, and it is detectedwhether or not the foreign matter adheres to the protective material138, using the image data at that time. Because of this, the foreignmatter adhering to the protective material 138 can be removed with asimple manipulation.

Furthermore, the supersonic vibration generator 134 is activated onlywhen the captured image is abnormal, so that an excess burden is notapplied to the mirror box 120. Since the mirror box 120 is precisionoptical equipment, the application of vibration and the like should beminimized in terms of the retention of optical characteristics.Similarly, when the image data returns to be normal, it is detected thatthe image data returns to a normal state, and the supersonic vibrationgenerator 134 is stopped. Therefore, an excess burden is not applied tothe mirror box 120, and the optical characteristics of the mirror box120 can be retained satisfactorily.

In the above-mentioned example, although the supersonic vibrationgenerator 134 is continued to be operated until the image data returnsto be normal, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example,while the supersonic vibration generator 134 is operated until the imagedata becomes normal as in the above example within a predetermined time,when a predetermined time elapses, the supersonic vibration generator134 may be stopped even if the image data remains abnormal. Because ofthis, the supersonic vibration generator 134 is continued to beoperated, whereby an excess burden can be prevented from being appliedto the mirror box 120.

In the above example, although it is monitored whether or not the imagedata becomes normal after the supersonic vibration generator 134 isoperated, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, theoperation of the supersonic vibration generator 134 may be stopped whena predetermined time elapses, without monitoring whether or not theimage data becomes normal after the supersonic vibration generator 134is operated, and.

[1-2-7 Stroboscopic Image Pickup Operation in Live View Mode]

In FIG. 1, the camera 10 can perform two photometric systems. They are asystem for performing photometry using the AE sensor 133 and a systemfor performing photometry using the CMOS sensor 130. The system forperforming photometry using the AE sensor 133 is as described above. Onthe other hand, in the case of performing photometry using only the CMOSsensor 130, the AE sensor 133 can be omitted, so that cost can bereduced. Furthermore, in the case of using the CMOS sensor 130, thephotometry operation can be performed even when the inside of the mirrorbox 120 is in the state B. Therefore, photometry can be performed duringthe live view operation, and the diaphragm 240 can be adjusted. Theautomatic adjustment of the diaphragm 240 using the CMOS sensor 130 maybe performed continuously during the live view operation.

The user selects a selection item from a menu screen by pressing themenu button 140 a, thereby being able to select photometry using onlythe AE sensor 133, photometry using both the AE sensor 133 and the CMOSsensor 130, and photometry using only the CMOS sensor 130 under astroboscopic image pickup operation.

[1-2-7-1 Photometric Operation Using Only AE Sensor]

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a stroboscopic image pickupoperation in the case of using only the AE sensor 133.

In FIG. 22, it is assumed that the microcomputer 110 originally is setin a live view mode. It also is assumed that a focus already has beenlocked by a manual manipulation or an autofocus operation. Furthermore,it is assumed that the strobe activation button 140 h has been pressedby the user, and the strobe 137 has already been charged. Furthermore,it is assumed that the photometric system is set to the one using onlythe AE sensor 133 by the user.

In this state, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the releasebutton 141 is pressed fully (S2201). Then, when the release button 141is pressed fully, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirrorbox 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S2202).

Then, a part of light incident from the interchangeable lens 200 isreflected by the movable mirror 121 a and diffused by the focusing glass125, and a part of the resultant light is incident upon the AE sensor133. The AE sensor 133 measures the incident light. More specifically,the AE sensor 133 measures stationary light (S2203). Then, themicrocomputer 110 obtains the photometric results in the stationarylight by the AE sensor 133.

Next, the microcomputer 133 controls the strobe 137 to allow it toperform pre-flash. The AE sensor 133 performs photometry during apre-flash period. The microcomputer 110 obtains the photometric resultsof the AE sensor 133 during the pre-flash period.

The microcomputer 110 determines an f-number and a shutter speed basedon the photometric results under the obtained stationary light and thephotometric results under the pre-flash. For determining them, themicrocomputer 110 compares the photometric results under the stationarylight with the photometric light under the pre-flash, thereby graspingthe illumination environment of a subject. For example, themicrocomputer 110 determines an f-number and a shutter speed based onwhether the subject is in a dark environment or in a backlight state,etc. The microcomputer 110 transmits the determined f-number to the CPU210. The CPU 210 adjusts the diaphragm 240 based on the receivedf-number.

Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 determines the amount of flash lightduring the main flash by the strobe 137 in parallel with thedetermination of an f-number and a shutter speed in Step S2205 (S2206).Then, the microcomputer 110 transmits the determined amount of flashlight to the strobe 137.

Next, the strobe 137 emits light with the received amount of flash lightof the main flash (S2207). During the main flash period, themicrocomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the stateA to the state B (S2208), and starts an image pickup operation (S2209).The image pickup operation is performed during the shutter speed perioddetermined in Step S2205.

The subsequent operations in Steps S2210 to S2213 are similar to thosein Steps S1306 to S1309 and those in Steps 1414 to S1417, so that thedescription thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the inside of the mirror box 120 is set in the stateA first from the live view mode, whereby the AE sensor 133 can performphotometry.

[1-2-7-2 Photometric Operation Using AE Sensor and CMOS Sensor]

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a stroboscopic image pickupoperation in the case of using the AE sensor 133 and the CMOS sensor130. The original setting is the same as the above. More specifically,it is assumed that the microcomputer 110 is set in a live view mode. Italso is assumed that a focus has already been locked by a manualmanipulation or an autofocus operation. It is assumed that the strobeactivation button 140 h has been pressed by the user, and the strobe 137has already been charged. It is assumed that the photometric system isset to the one using the AE sensor 133 and the CMOS sensor 130 by theuser.

In FIG. 23, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the releasebutton 141 is pressed fully (S2301). Then, when the release button 141has been pressed fully, the microcomputer 110 causes the CMOS sensor 130to perform photometry in the live view mode. Thus, the CMOS sensor 130performs photometry with respect to stationary light (S2302). Then, themicrocomputer 110 obtains the measurement results in stationary light bythe CMOS sensor 130.

Next, the microcomputer 130 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 fromthe state B to the state A via the state C (S2303).

Then, a part of light incident from the interchangeable lens 200 isreflected by the movable mirror 121 a and diffused by the focusing glass125, and a part of the resultant light is incident upon the AE sensor133. In this state, the microcomputer 133 controls the strobe 137 toallow it to perform pre-flash. The AE sensor 133 performs photometryduring a pre-flash period (S2304). The microcomputer 110 obtains thephotometric results of the AE sensor 133 during the pre-flash period.

The subsequent operations in Steps S2305 to S2313 are similar to thosein Steps S2205 to 2213 in FIG. 22, so that the description thereof willbe omitted.

As described above, the photometry of the stationary light is performedby the CMOS sensor 130, so that the photometry of the stationary lightcan be performed immediately after the full depression. Furthermore, thephotometry of the pre-flash is performed by the AE sensor 133, so thatthe photometry of the pre-flash can be performed exactly. The reason whythe photometry of the pre-flash can be performed exactly is that the AEsensor 133 has a larger allowable range of the amount of light to bemeasured, compared with the CMOS sensor 130. More specifically, the AEsensor 133 is produced so as to be dedicated to photometry, so that itcan measure weak light to strong light exactly. In contrast, the CMOSsensor 130 is not an element for measuring the amount of light, but anelement for generating image data. More specifically, the photometry inthe CMOS sensor 130 merely is an accessory function involved in thefunction of generating image data. The main function of the CMOS sensor130 is to generate image data, and the sub-function thereof is toperform photometry. Therefore, the CMOS sensor 130 is suitable forcapturing an image of stationary light, but is not suitable forcapturing an image of strong light. For example, when the CMOS sensor130 receives strong light, the image data is saturated to become whitefrequently. On the other hand, during the pre-flash, the strobe 137emits strong light, and light reflected from a subject may be strong. Asdescribed above during the pre-flash, more exact photometric data isobtained in many cases when photometry is performed by the AF sensor 133instead of the CMOS sensor 130.

In the above example, although photometry of stationary light isperformed (S2302) after the full depression (S2301), the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, the microcomputer 110 mayperform photometry continuously using the CMOS sensor 130 until therelease button 141 is pressed fully, and when the release button 141 ispressed fully, the photometric data on stationary light obtainedimmediately before the full depression may be used for determining anf-number, a shutter speed, and the amount of flash light of the mainflash. Because of this, a time required from full depression to theimage pickup operation can be shortened, so that the user is unlikely tolet a shutter chance to slip away. Furthermore, the operability becomessatisfactory.

[1-2-7-3 Photometric Operation Using Only CMOS Sensor]

The stroboscopic image pickup operation in the case of using only theCMOS sensor 130 will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

In FIG. 23, in the case of using the AE sensor 133 and the CMOS sensor130, after the inside of the mirror box 120 is shifted from the state Bto the state A via the state C (S2303), photometry is performed duringpre-flash (S2304).

In contrast, in the case of using only the CMOS sensor 130, after thephotometry during pre-flash is performed (S2304), the inside of themirror box 120 is shifted from the state B to the state A via the stateC (S2303). Because of this, the photometry of stationary light and thephotometry of pre-flash can be performed using only the CMOS sensor 130.The other operations are similar to those in the case of using the AEsensor 133 and the CMOS sensor 130, so that the description thereof willbe omitted.

As described above, the inside of the mirror box 120 is shifted from thestate B to the state A via the state C, waiting for the photometry ofpre-flash, so that both the photometry of stationary light and thephotometry of pre-flash can be performed only using the CMOS sensor 130.This enables the AE sensor 133 to be omitted, so that the cost can bereduced.

In the above example, although the photometry of stationary light isperformed (S2302) after the full depression (S2301), the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, the microcomputer 110 mayperform photometry continuously using the CMOS sensor 130 until therelease button 141 is pressed fully, and when the release button 141 hasbeen pressed fully, the photometric data on stationary light obtainedimmediately before the full depression may be used for determining anf-number, a shutter speed, and the amount of flash light of main flash.Because of this, a time required from the full depression to the imagepickup operation can be shortened, so that the user is unlikely to let ashutter chance to slip away. Furthermore, the operability becomessatisfactory.

[1-2-8 Reset Operation in Live View Mode]

In a live view mode, when a shock is applied to the camera 10 from theoutside, the retention state of the second shutter 123 b is cancelled,and the inside of the mirror box 120 may be shifted from the state B tothe state C. Then, an optical signal from the interchangeable lens 200is interrupted by the second shutter 123 b, and does not reach the CMOSsensor 130. Then, the liquid crystal monitor 150 that has displayed asubject image in a live view until then does not display anything due tothe shock. The user who sees it may misunderstand that the camera 10 isout of order.

In order to prevent such inconvenience, a configuration provided with asensor for monitoring whether or not the retention state of the secondshutter 123 b is cancelled is considered. However, if such a sensor isprovided, cost increases. When shock is applied to the camera 10, theshock is detected and the live view mode is reset, whereby theabove-mentioned inconvenience can be prevented. The reason why theabove-mentioned inconvenience can be prevented is that the retentionstate of the second shutter 123 b may be cancelled.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the operation when the live viewmode is reset due to shock.

In FIG. 24, it is assumed that the microcomputer 110 originally isoperated in a live view mode. In this state, the microcomputer 110monitors whether or not shock is applied to the camera 10 (S2401). Theoperation of monitoring the application of shock will be described indetail.

In FIG. 4, the gyrosensor 252 measures an angular speed continuously.The CPU 210 integrates the angular speed measured by the gyrosensor 252to obtain an angle. The CPU 210 uses the obtained angle for controllinghand shaking correction in the hand shaking correction unit 250, andmonitors a change amount per predetermined time of the obtained angle.Then, when the change amount reaches a predetermined value or larger,the CPU 210 notifies the microcomputer 110 that the change amountreaches a predetermined value or larger. Upon receiving thisnotification, the microcomputer 110 determines that a shock has beenapplied to the camera 10.

In FIG. 24, when the microcomputer 110 detects a shock, themicrocomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the stateB to the state A via the state C (S2402). After that, the microcomputer110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to thestate B, whereby the camera 10 returns to a live view.

As described above, the shock applied to the camera 10 is detected, andthe live view mode is reset, so that the camera 10 can be recovered fromthe state in which a live view display is interrupted by the shockautomatically. This can prevent the user from misunderstanding that thecamera 10 is out of order. Furthermore, when a live view display isinterrupted, an operation for recovering the live view display manuallyis not required, so that the operability is satisfactory.

Furthermore, as the sensor for detecting shock, the gyrosensor 252 forcorrecting hand shaking is used. Therefore, it is not necessary toprovide a sensor particularly for detecting shock, whereby cost can bereduced and equipment can be miniaturized.

In the present example, although the CPU 210 monitors the change amountper predetermined time of an angle so as to detect shock, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, the CPU 210 directly maymonitor angular speed information from the gyrosensor 252. The reasonfor monitoring in such a manner is as follows: it can be determined thatshock is applied in the case where an angular speed is large.

Furthermore, in the present example, as the sensor for detecting shock,the gyrosensor 252 for correcting hand shaking is used, but the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, a sensor for shock may beprovided.

(Embodiment 2)

The camera 10 in Embodiment 1 switches an OVF mode to a live view modeby a manual manipulation of the viewfinder switch 140 e. However, it isinconvenient if the OVF mode cannot be switched to the live view modewithout a manual manipulation at all times. Particularly, in the casewhere it is highly necessary to switch to the live view mode, if the OVFmode can be switched to the live view mode automatically, theoperability of the user can be enhanced. In Embodiment 2, a cameracapable of switching to the live view mode automatically in accordancewith various events is realized.

The configuration of the camera 10 in Embodiment 2 is similar to that ofthe camera 10 in Embodiment 1, so that the description thereof will beomitted.

[2-1 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Diaphragm Adjustment]

In the above-mentioned Embodiment 1, in order to observe a depth offield when an image for recording is captured in a live view mode, thestop-down button 140 k and the LV preview button 140 j were provided.Consequently, regarding a subject image when an image for recording iscaptured, the depth of field thereof can be observed instantaneouslyusing the liquid crystal monitor 130, so that the operability issatisfactory. However, in Embodiment 1, the stop-down button 140 k andthe LV preview button 140 j become effective when the microcomputer 110is set in the live view mode. Therefore, in order to observe a depth offield when an image for recording is captured in an OVF mode, it isnecessary to switch to the live view mode manually, and thereafter,press the stop-down button 140 k or the LV preview button 140 j. Thecamera 10 shown in Embodiment 2 solves this problem.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the LV previewbutton 140 j is pressed in the OVF mode.

In FIG. 25, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the OVF mode. Atthis time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown inFIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not theLV preview button 140 j is pressed (S2501).

When the user presses the LV preview button 140 j in this state, themicrocomputer 110 detects it, and starts measuring an exposure amountusing the AE sensor 133 (S2502).

The microcomputer 110 transmits the measurement results to the CPU 210.The CPU 210 calculates an appropriate aperture value of the diaphragm240 when an image for recording is captured, based on the receivedmeasurement results and the current opened state of the diaphragm 240.Then, the CPU 210 controls the motor 241 based on the calculatedresults. The motor 241 adjusts the diaphragm 240 based on the control ofthe CPU 210 (S2503).

Next, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 fromthe state A to the state B (S2504).

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the microcomputer 110 displays a region R2that is a part of the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 in anenlarged state (S2505). The part in a screen that is set to be theenlarged region R2 can be changed by manipulating the cross key 140 b orthe like.

Next, the microcomputer 110 continues a live view operation (S2506).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the LV preview button 140j is pressed again during the live view operation (S2507).

When the LV preview button 140 j has been pressed again, themicrocomputer 110 allows the CPU 210 to open the diaphragm 240 (S2508).

Next, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 fromthe state B to the state A via the state C (S2509). This can return thecamera 10 to the state before the LV preview button 140 j is pressedfirst.

As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF operation, owingto a simple operation of the LV preview button 140 j, the camera 10 canbe shifted to the live view mode, and the depth of field of an image forrecording can be checked easily in a live view display.

In Embodiment 2, the case where the LV preview button 140 j is pressedin the OVF mode has been described. However, this description alsoapplies to the case where the stop-down button 140 k is pressed in theOVF mode except for the following: in the case where the LV previewbutton 140 j is pressed, the region R2 that is a part of the image datais displayed in an enlarged state as described above, whereas in thecase where the stop-down button 140 k is pressed, such an enlargeddisplay is not performed.

[2-2 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Remote ControlManipulation]

As shown in FIG. 2, the remote control receiving portion 155 is capableof receiving a control signal from a remote controller (not shown). Inthe case of receiving a control signal from the remote controller (notshown), the user is operating at a distance from the camera 10 in manycases. At this time, it is inconvenient to observe a subject image withan optical viewfinder. Therefore, in the case of manipulating with theremote controller (not shown), the user switches to the live view modewith the viewfinder switch 140 e in many cases. However, whenmanipulating with the remote controller (not shown), it is inconvenientto switch to the live view mode manually. In the camera 10 according toEmbodiment 2, when the remote control receiving portion 155 receives acontrol signal from the remote controller, the microcomputer 110 isshifted to the live view mode.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the case of shiftingto the live view mode by a remote control operation.

In FIG. 26, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the OVF mode. Atthis time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown inFIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not theremote control receiving portion 155 receives a control signal from theremote controller (not shown) (S2601).

When the remote control receiving portion 155 receives a control signalfrom the remote controller (not shown) in this state, the microcomputer110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to thestate B (S2602).

After that, the microcomputer 110 continues a live view operation(S2603).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the manipulation portion140, the release button 141, and the like of the camera body 100 areoperated during the live view operation (S2604).

When the user manipulates either one of them, the microcomputer 110shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the state Avia the state C (S2605). Consequently, the camera 10 can be returned tothe state before receiving the control signal of the remote controllerfirst.

As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF operation, thecamera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in accordance with themanipulation of the remote controller. This saves time and labor forswitching to the live mode manually, resulting in the enhancement of theoperability.

The remote control receiving portion 155 may be provided on the frontand back surfaces of the camera body 100. In this case, in the casewhere the remote control receiving portion 155 on the front surfacereceives a control signal in the OVF mode, the camera 10 is not shiftedto the live view mode. On the other hand, in the case where the remotecontrol receiving portion 155 on the back surface receives a controlsignal, the camera 10 may be shifted to the live view mode. In the casewhere the remote control receiving portion 155 provided on the frontsurface of the camera body 100 receives a control signal, the user ispositioned in front of the camera 10, and is not observing the liquidcrystal monitor 150 in many cases. On the other hand, in the case wherethe remote control receiving portion 155 provided on the back surface ofthe camera body 100 receives a control signal, the user is positioned atthe back of the camera 10, and is observing the liquid crystal monitor150 in many cases. Therefore, due to the above-mentioned operation, inthe case where the user is not watching the liquid crystal monitor 150,excess power is not consumed by the liquid crystal monitor 150 and thelike, which results in the reduction in power consumption.

[2-3 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Fixing Tripod]

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera body 100 can be fixed to a tripod (notshown) via the tripod fixing portion 147. In the case of capturing animage by fixing the camera body 100 to the tripod (not shown), an imagecan be grasped easier when the image is captured with the electronicviewfinder (liquid crystal monitor 150) with a large screen size, ratherthan capturing the image with the optical viewfinder. However, when thecamera body 100 is fixed to the tripod, it is inconvenient to switch tothe live view mode manually. In the camera 10 according to Embodiment 2,when the tripod is fixed to the tripod fixing portion 147, themicrocomputer 110 is shifted to the live view mode.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the case of shift tothe live view mode by fixing the camera body 100 to the tripod.

In FIG. 27, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the OVF mode. Atthis time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown inFIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not thecontact point 148 transmits information indicating that the tripod isfixed to the tripod fixing portion 147 (S2701). When the contact point148 detects that the camera body 100 is fixed to the tripod in thisstate, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120from the state A to the state B (S2702). After that, the microcomputer110 continues the live view operation (S2703).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the contact point 148transmits information indicating that the tripod is removed during thelive view operation (S2704). When the contact point 148 detects that thetripod is removed, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirrorbox 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S2705). Thiscan return the camera 10 to the state before the camera body 100 isfixed to the tripod.

As described above, even when the camera 10 is in the OVF operation, thecamera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in accordance with thefixation of the tripod. This saves time and labor for switching to thelive view mode manually, which enhances the operability.

In the above, after being fixed to the tripod, the camera 10 is shiftedto the live view mode. However, an autofocus operation may be performedalong with the shift to the live view. The autofocus operation may be ofa phase difference detection system using the AF sensor 132, or acontrast system using the CMOS sensor 130. Because of this, when animage is captured using the tripod, a focus can be adjusted to a subjectquickly.

Furthermore, the autofocus operation may be performed immediately afterthe camera 10 is fixed to the tripod, or after a predetermined timeelapses from the fixation to the tripod. The autofocus operation isperformed after the elapse of a predetermined time, whereby a subjectcan be focused after the camera 10 comes to a standstill exactly.Therefore, the camera 10 can be prevented from moving during focusing tomake it necessary to perform focusing again.

Furthermore, when the live view mode is set under the condition that thecamera 10 is fixed to the tripod and is operated in the OVF mode, anautofocus operation may be performed once, and thereafter, the camera 10may be shifted to the live view mode. Consequently, a subject can befocused rapidly when an image is captured with the tripod.

Furthermore, in the above, the camera 10 is shifted to the live viewmode when it is fixed to the tripod. However, unlike this, the camera 10may be shifted to the live view mode in accordance with the detectionresults of the gyrosensor 252. When the output of the gyrosensor 252 issmall and it is determined that the camera 10 is at a standstill, thecamera 10 is shifted to the live view mode. When it can be determinedthat the camera 10 is at a standstill, the user leaves the camera 10 atan immovable place without holding it in many cases. In the case wherethe user does not hold the camera 10, it is easier to observe a subjectin a live view mode, rather than observing the subject in the OVF mode.Therefore, the camera 10 is shifted to the live view mode when it isdetermined that the camera 10 is at a standstill. This saves time andlabor for switching to the live view mode manually, which enhances theoperability. The gyrosensor 252 is an example of the shaking detectionportion of the present invention.

Even in this case, an autofocus operation may be performed along withthe shift to the live view. Because of this, a subject can be focusedrapidly when the camera 10 comes to a standstill.

Furthermore, the autofocus operation may be performed immediately afterit is determined that the camera 10 comes to a standstill, or after apredetermined time elapses from the determination. The autofocusoperation is performed after an elapse of a predetermined time, wherebya subject can be focused after the camera comes to a standstill exactly.Therefore, the camera 10 can be prevented from moving during focusing,which makes it necessary to perform focusing again.

Furthermore, when the live view mode is set under the condition that thecamera 10 is allowed to come to a standstill and is operated in the OVFmode, an autofocus operation may be performed once, and thereafter, thecamera 10 may be shifted to the live view mode. Because of this, asubject can be focused rapidly when the camera 10 is allowed to come toa standstill.

[2-4 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Rotation of LiquidCrystal Monitor]

The liquid crystal monitor 150 can rotate as described above. In thecase of rotating the liquid crystal monitor 150, the user observes asubject image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in many cases.However, it is inconvenient to switch to the live view mode manually,when the liquid crystal monitor 150 is rotated. In the camera 10according to Embodiment 2, when the liquid crystal monitor 150 isrotated, the microcomputer 110 is shifted to the live view mode.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time of shift tothe live view mode due to the rotation of the liquid crystal monitor150.

In FIG. 28, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the OVF mode.Furthermore, the liquid crystal monitor 150 is accommodated with theliquid crystal screen directed to the back surface of the camera body100 or with the reverse surface of the liquid crystal screen directed tothe back surface of the camera body 100. At this time, the inside of themirror box 120 is in the state A shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, themicrocomputer 110 monitors whether or not the contact point 151 detectsthe rotation of the liquid crystal monitor 150 (S2801). When the contactpoint 151 detects the oration of the liquid crystal monitor 150 in thisstate, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120from the state A to the state B (S2802). After that, the microcomputer110 continues the live view operation (S2803).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the liquid crystal monitor150 is accommodated in an original state during the live view operation(S2804). When the liquid crystal monitor 150 is accommodated in theoriginal state, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirrorbox 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S2805). Becauseof this, the camera 10 can be returned to the state before the liquidcrystal monitor 150 is rotated.

As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF operation, thecamera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in accordance with therotation of the liquid crystal monitor 150. This saves time and laborfor switching to the live view mode manually, which enhances theoperability.

[2-5 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Connection of ExternalTerminal]

As described above, the camera 10 can output an image displayed in alive view by connecting a terminal from an external apparatus (notshown) to the external terminal 152. In the case of outputting a liveview display to the external apparatus, it is necessary to form asubject image on the CMOS sensor 130. More specifically, this is becauseit is necessary that the subject image is converted to image data withthe CMOS sensor 130. However, when the live view display is outputted tothe external apparatus, it is inconvenient to switch to the live viewmode manually. In the camera 10 according to Embodiment 2, when aterminal from the external apparatus (not shown) is connected to theexternal terminal 152, the microcomputer 110 is shifted to the live viewmode.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time of shift tothe live view mode due to the connection of the external terminal.

In FIG. 29, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the OVF mode. Atthis time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown inFIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not theexternal terminal 152 and the terminal connected to the externalapparatus are connected to each other (S2901). When the externalterminal 152 and the terminal connected to the external apparatus areconnected to each other in this state, the microcomputer 110 shifts theinside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B (S2902).After that, the microcomputer 110 outputs a live view display to theexternal apparatus via the external terminal 152 (S2903).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the terminal of theexternal apparatus is pulled out from the external terminal 152 duringthe output of the live view display to the external apparatus (S2904).When the terminal of the external apparatus is pulled out from theexternal terminal 152, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of themirror box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S2905).Consequently, the state of the camera 10 can be returned to the statebefore the terminal of the external apparatus is connected to theexternal terminal 152.

As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF operation, thecamera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in accordance withwhether or not the external apparatus is connected to the externalterminal 152. This saves time and labor for switching to the live viewmode manually, which enhances the operability.

In Step S2903, the live view display may be displayed on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 while being output to the external apparatus.Furthermore, the live view display may not be displayed on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 while being output to the external apparatus.

[2-6 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Setting of Aspect RatioOther Than 4:3]

The aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder is fixed. Thus, an imagehaving a composition with an aspect ratio other than the set aspectratio cannot be displayed as a whole, and is too small to see even whenit can be displayed. Thus, the image having a composition with an aspectratio other than that of the optical viewfinder can be observed moreeasily with the electronic viewfinder. However, it is inconvenient toswitch to live view mode manually when an image having a compositionwith an aspect ratio other than that of the optical viewfinder isdisplayed. In the camera 10 according to Embodiment 2, in the case wherethe display aspect ratio is set to be the one other than the aspectratio of the optical viewfinder, the camera 10 is shifted to the liveview mode automatically.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time of shift to alive view mode by setting of an aspect ratio.

In FIG. 30, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the OVF mode. Atthis time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown inFIG. 1. The composition of an image displayed by the optical viewfinderis set to be 4:3. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether ornot the aspect ratio is set to be the one other than 4:3 (S3001). Whenthe user manipulates the menu button 140 a and the like to set thecomposition of a display image to a composition other than 4:3 (forexample, a composition of 16:9), the microcomputer 110 shifts the insideof the mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B (S3002). Afterthat, the microcomputer 110 displays a live view display on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 with the set composition (S3003).

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the aspect ratio is set tobe 4:3 again during the live view mode operation (S3004). When the useroperates the menu button 140 a and the like to set the composition ofthe display image to the composition of 4:3 again, the microcomputer 110shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the state Avia the state C (S3005). Because of this, the camera 10 can be returnedto the state before the aspect ratio of the composition is changed.

As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF operation, thecamera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in accordance with achange in the aspect ratio of the composition. This saves time and laborfor switching to the live view mode manually, which enhances theoperability.

[2-7 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Manipulation ofDiaphragm Ring]

In Embodiment 1, in order to adjust the diaphragm minutely, thediaphragm ring 242 was provided. It is preferable that a part of ascreen can be observed under the condition of being displayed in anenlarged state, when the diaphragm is adjusted with the diaphragm ring242, because a depth of field is observed easily. However, a part of thescreen cannot be displayed in an enlarged state when the depth of fieldis observed through the optical viewfinder. In order to overcome this,when the diaphragm ring 242 is manipulated, a part of the screen isdisplayed in an enlarged state along with the shift to the live viewmode.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time of shift to alive view mode by the operation of the diaphragm ring 242.

In FIG. 31, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in an OVF mode. Atthis time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown inFIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not thediaphragm ring 242 is manipulated (S3101). When the user operates thediaphragm ring 242 in this state, the CPU 210 detects the operation ofthe diaphragm ring 242 and transmits the detection results to themicrocomputer 110. The microcomputer 110 receives the detection results,and shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to thestate B (S3102). Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the microcomputer 110displays the region R2 that is a part of the image data generated by theCMOS sensor 130 in an enlarged state (S3103). Which part of the screenis set to be the enlarged region R2 can be changed by manipulating thecross key 140 b and the like. After that, the microcomputer 110continues the live view mode operation.

As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF operation, thecamera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in accordance with themanipulation of the diaphragm ring 242. This saves time and labor forswitching to the live view mode manually, which enhances theoperability. Furthermore, a place whose depth of field is required to bechecked can be enlarged instantaneously, so that the depth of field canbe checked easily.

(Embodiment 3)

In the camera 10 according to the above-mentioned Embodiment 1, bymanually manipulating the viewfinder switch 140 e, the live view mode isswitched to the OVF mode. However, it is inconvenient if the live viewmode cannot be switched without manual manipulation at all times.Particularly, in the case where it is highly necessary to come out ofthe live view mode, if the live view mode can be switched automatically,the operability of the user can be enhanced. The camera in Embodiment 3is configured so as to come out of the live view mode automatically inaccordance with various events.

The configuration of the camera 10 according to Embodiment 3 is similarto that of the camera 10 according to Embodiment 1, so that thedescription thereof will be omitted.

[3-1 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode by Operation of Menu Button]

In the above-mentioned Embodiment 1, when the menu button 140 a ismanipulated in the live view mode, a menu screen is overlapped with thelive view display. However, with such a display method, the live viewdisplay or the menu screen is difficult to see. In the camera 10according to Embodiment 3, when the menu button 140 a is pressed, areal-time image is displayed by the optical viewfinder, and a menuscreen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled by the manipulation of the menu button 140 a.

In FIG. 32, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the live viewmode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state Bshown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether ornot the menu button 140 a has been manipulated (S3201). When the usermanipulates the menu button 140 a in this state, the microcomputer 110shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the state Avia the state C (S3202). Because of this, the movable mirror 121 aguides an optical signal input from the interchangeable lens 200 to theoptical viewfinder (S3203). Consequently, the user is capable ofobserving a subject image through the eyepiece 136.

The microcomputer 110 allows the liquid crystal monitor 150 to display amenu screen for various settings in parallel with the processing in StepS3203 (S3204). In this state, the user can observe an image in real timeusing the optical viewfinder while performing various settings using themenu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150.

The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the menu button 140 a ispressed again during the OVF mode operation (S3205). When the userpresses the menu button 140 a again, the microcomputer 110 completes thedisplay of the menu screen on the liquid crystal monitor 150, and shiftsthe inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B(S3206). This can return the camera 10 to the state before the menuscreen is displayed.

As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the live view mode, thecamera 10 can come out of the live view mode automatically in accordancewith the manipulation of the menu button 140 a. This saves time andlabor for switching to the OVF mode manually, which enhances theoperability.

[3-2 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode in Accordance with Operationof Switching Off Power Supply]

When the camera 10 is turned off in the live view mode, the movablemirror 121 is left being moved up. In this state, a subject image cannotbe observed through the camera 10. This is because the subject imagecannot be guided to the optical viewfinder since the movable mirror 121is moved up, and the subject image cannot be displayed because theliquid crystal monitor 150 is not supplied with a current. On the otherhand, even if the power supply of the camera 10 is in an OFF state, itis convenient if a subject image can be observed through the opticalviewfinder. In the present configuration, before the camera 10 is turnedoff, the live view mode is shifted to the OVF mode. By doing so, even ifthe power supply of the camera 10 is in an OFF state, the movable mirror121 is moved down, so that a subject image can be observed through theoptical viewfinder.

However, time and labor are needed for switching to the OVF modemanually. In the camera 10 with the present configuration, when thepower supply switch 142 is operated in a direction of turning off thepower supply of the camera 10 when a live view mode is set, the camera10 comes out of the live view mode to allow the movable mirror 121 toenter the optical path of the image pickup optical system.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled by turning off a power supply.

In FIG. 33, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the live viewmode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state Bshown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether ornot the power supply switch 142 is manipulated in an OFF direction(S3301). When the user manipulates the power supply switch 142 in theOFF direction in this state, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside ofthe mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C(S3302). Then, when the mirror box 120 is positioned in the state A, thepower supply controller 146 stops the supply of power to each site ofthe camera 10 (S3303).

As described above, the camera 10 is shifted to the OVF mode to movedown the movable mirror 121 before the power supply is turned off.Therefore, even if the power supply is turned off later, a subject imagecan be observed through the optical viewfinder. Furthermore, it is notnecessary to switch to the OVF mode manually, so that the operabilitybecomes satisfactory.

In the case where the power supply of the camera 10 is turned on afterit is turned off, the microcomputer 10 may remember the state before thepower supply is turned off and recover the state. Specifically, when thepower supply of the camera 10 is turned off in the live view mode, thepower supply actually is turned off after the camera 10 is shifted tothe OVF mode. After that, when the power supply is turned on again, themicrocomputer 11 continues an operation after the camera 10 is set inthe live view mode. Consequently, the state before the power supply isturned off is recovered automatically, which is convenient for the user.

Furthermore, in the above example, the case where the user turns off thepower supply using the power supply switch 142 has been described.However, the similar operation also is applicable to a sleep function.Specifically, in the case where the state in which the camera 10 is notmanipulated continues for a predetermined period of time or longer, thepower supply controller 146 notifies the microcomputer 110 of theannouncement showing that the power supply will be turned off. Uponreceiving the announcement, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside ofthe mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C.After that, the power supply controller 146 stops the supply of power toeach site excluding a predetermined site. After that, when the camera 10receives some manipulation, the power supply controller 146 detects themanipulation, and restarts the supply of power to each site to which thesupply of power has been stopped. Then, the microcomputer 110 shifts theinside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B to restartthe operation in the live view mode. Consequently, the camera 10 isshifted to the OVF mode before entering the sleep state, thereby movingdown the movable mirror 121. Therefore, even if the camera is positionedin the sleep state later, a subject image can be observed through theoptical viewfinder. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch to theOVF mode manually, which enhances the operability. Furthermore, the samemode is set before and after the sleep state, so that the user does notneed time and labor for a manipulation after the completion of the sleepperiod.

[3-3 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode in Accordance with Operationof Opening Battery Cover]

When a battery 400 is removed in the live view mode, the camera 10 isturned off with the movable mirror 121 moved up. When the camera 10 isturned off in the live view mode, the movable mirror 121 is left beingmoved up. In this state, a subject image cannot be observed through thecamera 10. This is because the subject image cannot be guided to theoptical viewfinder since the movable mirror 121 is moved up, and thesubject image cannot be displayed since the liquid crystal monitor 150is not supplied with a current. On the other hand, even when the powersupply of the camera 10 is in an OFF state, it is convenient if thesubject image can be observed through the optical viewfinder. Accordingto the present configuration, before the battery 400 is removed, thecamera 10 is shifted from the live view mode to the OVF mode. By doingso, even when the power supply of the camera 10 is in an OFF state, themovable mirror 121 is moved down, so that the subject image can beobserved through the optical viewfinder.

However, time and labor are needed for switching to the OVF modemanually. When the battery cover 144 is opened when the live view modeis set, the camera 10 comes out of the live view mode to allow themovable mirror 121 to enter the optical path of the image pickup opticalsystem.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled by opening the battery cover 400.

In FIG. 34, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the live viewmode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state Bshown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether ornot the contact point 145 detects that the battery cover 144 is opened(S3401). When the user opens the battery cover 144 in this state, themicrocomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the stateB to the state A via the state C (S3402).

The battery 400 is engaged in the battery box 143 with a memberdifferent from the battery cover 144. Therefore, even if the batterycover 144 is opened, the power supply is not turned off immediately.

As described above, before the battery 400 is removed from the camera10, the camera 10 is shifted to the OVF mode to move down the movablemirror 121. Therefore, even if the power supply of the camera 10 isturned off later, a subject image can be observed through the opticalviewfinder. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch to the OVF modemanually, which enhances the operability.

[3-4 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode Based on Detection of LowBattery]

The camera 10 turns off the power supply by itself to stop the operationwhen the voltage of the battery reaches a predetermined value or less,in order to prevent power-down while an image is being captured. Whenthe power supply of the camera 10 is turned off in the live view mode,the movable mirror 121 is left being moved up. In this state, a subjectimage cannot be observed through the camera 10. This is because thesubject image cannot be guided to the optical viewfinder since themovable mirror 121 is moved up. This also is because the subject imagecannot be displayed since the liquid crystal monitor 150 is not suppliedwith a current. On the other hand, even when the power supply of thecamera 10 is in an OFF state, it is convenient if the subject image canbe observed through the optical viewfinder. According to the presentconfiguration, when the voltage of the battery 400 decreases, the liveview mode is shifted to the OVF mode. By doing so, even if the powersupply of the camera 10 is turned off along with the decrease in a powersupply voltage, the movable mirror 121 is moved down, so that thesubject image can be observed through the optical viewfinder.

However, time and labor are needed for switching to the OVF modemanually. Thus, in order to solve this, when the voltage of the battery400 decreases when the live view mode is set, the camera 10 comes out ofthe live view mode to allow the movable mirror 121 to enter the opticalpath of the image pickup optical system.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled based on the decrease in a power supply voltage.

In FIG. 35, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the live viewmode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state Bshown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether ornot the power supply controller 146 detects that the voltage of thebattery 400 is lower than a predetermined value (S3501). When the powersupply controller 146 detects that the voltage of the battery 400 islower than the predetermined value in this state, the power sourcecontroller 146 notifies the microcomputer 110 that the voltage of thebattery 400 is lower than the predetermined value. Upon receiving thenotification, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S3502). The powersupply controller 146 turns off the power supply in the camera 10 afterthe inside of the mirror box 120 becomes the state A (S3503).

As described above, since the movable mirror 121 can be moved downbefore the power supply is turned off due to the decrease in the voltageof the battery 400, a subject image can be observed through the opticalview finder even if the power supply is in an OFF state. Furthermore, itis not necessary to switch to the OVF mode manually, which enhances theoperability.

[3-5 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode in Accordance with Removal ofLens]

When the interchangeable lens 200 is removed from the camera body 100 inthe live view mode, the protective material 138 is exposed, and dust andthe like are likely to adhere to the camera 10. In order to preventthis, it is necessary to shift the live view mode to the OVF mode beforethe interchangeable lens 200 is removed. However, time and labor areneeded for switching to the OVF mode manually. According to the presentconfiguration, when the interchangeable lens 200 placed on the camerabody 100 is removed when the live view mode is set, the camera body 100comes out of the live view mode to allow the movable mirror 121 to enterthe optical path of the image pickup optical system.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled due to the decrease in the power supply voltage.

In FIG. 36, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the live viewmode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state Bshown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether ornot the interchangeable lens 200 has been removed from the lens mountportion 135 (S3601). When the interchangeable lens 200 is removed fromthe lens mount portion 135, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside ofthe mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C(S3602).

As described above, when the interchangeable lens 200 is removed fromthe camera body 100, the movable mirror 121 can be moved down, so thatforeign matter such as dust can be prevented from adhering to theprotective material 138. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch tothe OVF mode manually, which enhances the operability.

[3-6 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode in Accordance with Connectionof External Terminal]

When a terminal from an external apparatus is connected to the externalterminal 152, the camera 10 according to the above-mentioned Embodiment2 is shifted to the live view mode automatically, and outputs the imagedata generated by the CMOS sensor 130 to the external apparatus. Incontrast, when the terminal from the external apparatus is connected tothe external terminal 152 in the live view mode, the camera 10 accordingto Embodiment 3 comes out of the live view mode automatically, andoutputs the image data stored in the memory card 300 to the externalapparatus.

In the case where the camera 10 is connected to the terminal connectedto the external apparatus, the user attempts to display the image datastored in the camera 10 or in the memory card 300 placed in the camera10 on the external apparatus in many cases. In such a case, with theconfiguration in which a live view display is performed on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 while the image data is being sent to the externalapparatus, burden on the microcomputer 110 increases. Therefore, in thecase of sending the image data to the external apparatus, it ispreferable that the camera 10 comes out of the live view mode. However,when the camera 10 is connected to the external apparatus, time andlabor are needed for the camera 10 to come out of the live view modemanually. When the terminal connected to the external apparatus isconnected to the external terminal 152, the camera 10 controls themovable mirror 121 to enter the optical path of the image pickup opticalsystem, and allow the image data stored in the memory card 300 to beoutput to the external apparatus via the external terminal 152.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the live view modeis cancelled due to the connection of the external terminal 152.

In FIG. 37, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in a live view mode.At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state B shownin FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or notthe terminal of the external apparatus is connected to the externalterminal 152 (S3701). When the terminal of the external apparatus isconnected to the external terminal 152 in this state, the microcomputer110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to thestate A via the state C (S3702). Consequently, the movable mirror 121 aguides an optical signal from the interchangeable lens 200 to theoptical viewfinder. Along with this, the microcomputer 110 outputs theimage data stored in the memory card 300 or image data obtained bysubjecting the image data stored in the memory card 300 to predeterminedprocessing to the external apparatus via the external terminal 152(S3704). The external apparatus displays an image based on the imagedata sent from the camera 10.

In this state, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not theterminal connected to the external terminal 152 is removed (S3705). Whenthe terminal connected to the external terminal 152 has been removed,the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from thestate A to the state B (S3706). After that, the microcomputer 110continues the operation in the live view mode.

As described above, the camera 10 can move out of the live view modeautomatically when the camera 10 is connected to the external apparatus,so that the operability is satisfactory. Simultaneously with this, thecamera 10 is shifted to the OVF mode, so that a real-time image also canbe observed using the optical viewfinder.

(Embodiment 4)

The camera 10 according to the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 performs anautofocus operation using the image data generated by the CMOS sensor130 in the live view display (state B), in the case of capturing animage in the continuous focus mode in the live view mode. Along withthis, immediately before capturing an image (state A), the camera 10performs an autofocus operation using the measurement results of the AFsensor 132. In contrast, when both the live view mode and the continuousfocus mode are set, the camera 10 according to Embodiment 4 is shiftedautomatically from the continuous focus mode to the single focus mode,or from the live view mode to the OVF mode.

[4-1 Operation of Shift from Continuous Focus Mode to Single Focus Mode]

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of shift to the signalfocus mode involved in the shift to the live view mode.

In FIG. 38, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the OVF mode. Atthis time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A show inFIG. 1. The microcomputer 110 is operated in the continuous focus mode.Thus, the microcomputer 110 transmits the measurement results of the AFsensor 132 to the CPU 210 continuously. Then, the CPU 210 performs theautofocus operation based on the measurement results of the AF sensor132 received from the microcomputer 110. In this state, themicrocomputer 110 monitors whether or not the viewfinder switch 140 e isswitched to the live view mode (S3801).

When the viewfinder switch 140 e is switched to the live view mode, themicrocomputer 110 allows the AF sensor to measure a distance, andtransmits the measurement results to the CPU 210. The CPU 210 performsthe autofocus operation based on the measurement results of the AFsensor 132 received from the microcomputer 110 (S3802). Thus, byperforming an autofocus operation immediately before entering the OVFmode, an image especially focused on a subject can be displayed on theliquid crystal monitor 150.

Next, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 fromthe state A to the state B (S3803).

The microcomputer 110 continues an operation in the live view mode(S3804). During this time, the microcomputer 110 does not give aninstruction regarding an autofocus operation until the release button141 is pressed halfway.

In this state, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not theviewfinder switch 140 e is switched to the OVF mode (S3805).

When the viewfinder switch 140 e is switched to the OVF mode, themicrocomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the stateB to the state A via the state C (S3806). Then, the microcomputer 110returns to the operation in the continuous focus mode.

As described above, when both the live view mode and the continuousfocus mode are set, the camera 10 is shifted from the continuous focusmode to the single focus mode automatically. Therefore, an autofocusoperation can be realized only with the autofocus operation using the AFsensor 132, without using the image data generated by the CMOS sensor130. Furthermore, since the continuous focus mode can be shifted to thesingle focus mode automatically, the operability is satisfactory.

[4-2 Operation of Shift from Live View Mode to OVF Mode]

FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a shift operation to the OVF modeinvolved in the shift to the continuous focus mode.

In FIG. 39, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the live viewmode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state Bshown in FIG. 5. The microcomputer 110 is operated in the single focusmode. Thus, the microcomputer 110 does not give an instruction regardingan autofocus operation until the release button 141 is pressed halfway.In this state, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the focusmode switch 140 f is switched to the continuous focus mode (S3901).

When the focus mode switch 140 f is switched to the continuous focusmode, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 fromthe state B to the state A via the state C (S3902). Then, themicrocomputer 110 continues the operation in the OVF mode. During thistime, the microcomputer 110 is operated in the continuous focus mode(S3903).

In this state, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the focusswitch 140 f is switched to the single focus mode (S3904). When thefocus mode switch 140 f is switched to the single focus mode, themicrocomputer 110 gives an instruction regarding the autofocus operationbased on the measurement results of the AF sensor 132 (S3905). Themicrocomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the stateA to the state B (S3906). Then, the microcomputer 110 returns to theoperation in the live view mode.

As described above, when both the live view mode and the continuousfocus mode are set, the camera 10 according to Embodiment 4 is shiftedfrom the live view mode to the OVF mode automatically. Therefore, anautofocus operation can be realized only with the autofocus operationusing the AF sensor 132 without using the image data generated by theCMOS sensor 130. Furthermore, since the live view mode can be shifted tothe OVF mode automatically, the operability is satisfactory.

(Embodiment 5)

The camera 10 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 1 isconfigured so as to display a real-time image over the entire surface ofthe optical viewfinder or the liquid crystal monitor 150. In contrast,the camera 10 according to Embodiment 5 has a configuration in which aplurality of real-time images are displayed on the liquid crystalmonitor 150 by pressing a multi-display button 140 p, as shown in FIG.40. At this time, the lightness of a plurality of images to be displayedis assumed to be varied for each image by electrical adjustment.Furthermore, the information representing the difference in lightness isdisplayed in an upper portion of each image reduced in size.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-display operation in a liveview.

In FIG. 41, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not themulti-display button 140 p is pressed (S4101).

The microcomputer 110 detects whether or not a currently set mode is alive view mode when the multi-display button 140 p is pressed (S4102).If the currently set mode is a live view mode, the microcomputer 110 isshifted to Step S4104.

On the other hand, when the currently set mode is not in the live viewmode such as the OVF mode, the inside of the mirror box 120 is shiftedfrom the state A to the state B (S4103), and after that, themicrocomputer 110 is shifted to Step S4104.

In Step S4104, the CMOS sensor 130 captures a subject image to generateimage data. The AID converter 131 converts the generated image data fromthe analog data to the digital data. The microcomputer 110 subjects theimage data obtained from the A/D converter 131 to YC conversion, andfurther resizes the resultant image data to generate an image reduced insize (S4105).

The microcomputer 110 duplicates the generated image reduced in size,and allows the buffer 111 to store three images reduced in size (S4106).The microcomputer 110 changes the brightness of the three images reducedin size stored in the buffer 111. The brightness is changed so as toobtain EV−1 for the first image, EV0 for the second image, and EV+1 forthe third image.

Next, the microcomputer 110 stores these images reduced in size in astorage space in the buffer so that they are arranged appropriately(S4108).

Finally, the microcomputer 110 allows the liquid crystal monitor 150 todisplay the image data stored in the buffer 111 (S4109).

A live view display of a multi-screen can be realized by repeating theoperations in Steps S4104 to S4109.

The EV value of each image reduced in size can be selected by pressingthe menu button 140 a to allow a menu screen to be displayed.

As described above, since a plurality of images reduced in size aredisplayed as a live view screen, the respective images reduced in sizecan be compared with each other easily. In particular, by electronicallyrealizing the difference in image pickup conditions, an image obtainedby capturing an image for recording can be grasped easily.

In Embodiment 5, although images with different EV values are producedto be displayed in simulation by electronic processing, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, images with differentwhite balances may be produced to be displayed in simulation, byelectronically changing a color-difference component of the image data.

(Embodiment 6)

As embodiments for carrying out the present invention, Embodiments 1-5have been illustrated. However, the embodiments for carrying out thepresent invention are not limited thereto. Another embodiment of thepresent invention will be summarized as Embodiment 6.

In Embodiments 1-5, the optical viewfinder of the present inventionincludes the focusing glass 125, the prism 126, and the eyepiece 136.However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, areflector may be used in place of the prism 126. Furthermore, a subjectimage may be output to an upper surface of the camera body 100, withoutusing the prism 126. Furthermore, an image pickup element may be used inplace of the focusing glass 125, and an electronic viewfinder may beused in place of the eyepiece 136. In this case, a camera body includestwo electronic viewfinders. In the case of using an electronicviewfinder in place of an optical electronic viewfinder as describedabove, although some of the inventions disclosed in the presentspecification cannot be carried out, there are still inventions that canbe carried out. In particular, the invention that attaches importance tothe presence of the movable mirror can be carried out.

In Embodiments 1-5, although a 4-group image pickup optical system hasbeen illustrated as the image pickup optical system, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, the zoom lens 230 is notan essential member, and the interchangeable lens 200 may be configuredas a monofocal lens. Furthermore, the correction lens 251, the unit 250,and the gyrosensor 252 are not essential members, and theinterchangeable lens 200 may be configured as an interchangeable lenshaving no hand vibration correction function.

Furthermore, the arrangement of each member included in the image pickupoptical system can be changed appropriately. For example, the imagepickup optical system may be placed in such a manner that the diaphragm240 and the hand shaking correction unit 250 are replaced with eachother. Furthermore, the image pickup optical system may be placed insuch a manner that the hand shaking correction unit 250 and the focuslens 260 are replaced with each other. The image pickup optical systemmay be configured so as to include a lens group that functions as thehand shaking correction unit 250 and the focus lens 260.

Furthermore, the objective lens 220, the zoom lens 230, the correctionlens 251, and the focus lens 260 may be composed of a single lens,respectively, or configured as a lens group including a combination of aplurality of lenses.

Furthermore, a partial member constituting the image pickup opticalsystem may include the camera body 100. Furthermore, the camera 10 mayinclude a lens fixed to the camera body 100, instead of having aninterchangeable lens system.

In Embodiments 1-5, although the zoom lens 230, the diaphragm 240, andthe focus lens 260 are manipulated mechanically, which is accomplishedby driving the zoom motor 231, the motor 241, and the focus motor 261,respectively, and synchronized mechanically with the zoom ring 232, thediaphragm ring 242, and the focus ring 262, the present invention is notlimited thereto. For example, Embodiments 1-5 may be configured in sucha manner that only a mechanical manipulation by the zoom ring 232, thediaphragm ring 242, and the focus ring 262 can be performed, withoutproviding the zoom motor 231, the motor 241, and the focus motor 261. Itshould be noted that an autofocus operation is difficult when the focusmotor 261 is not provided. Furthermore, in the case where the motor 241is not provided, the automatic adjustment of the diaphragm 240 bypressing the LV preview button 140 j, the diaphragm button 140 k, or theAV button 140 m becomes difficult. Alternatively, for example, the zoomlens 230, the diaphragm 240, and the focus lens 206 may be driven onlywith the zoom motor 231, the motor 241, and the focus motor 261 withouthaving the zoom ring 232, the diaphragm ring 242, and the focus ring262. Alternatively, although the zoom ring 232, the diaphragm ring 242,and the focus ring 262 are provided, the movements thereof may beconverted into electric signals, and the electric signals may betransmitted to the CPU 210. In this case, the CPU 210 may drive the zoommotor 231, the motor 241, and the focus motor 216 in accordance with theelectric signals.

In Embodiments 1-5, the CMOS sensor 130 is illustrated as an imagepickup element. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.The image pickup element may be any means for capturing a subject imageto generate image data. For example, the image pickup element also canbe realized with a CCD image sensor.

In Embodiments 1-5, the liquid crystal monitor 150 is illustrated as thedisplay portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto,and any means for displaying an image can be used as the displayportion. Furthermore, the display portion may be means for displayingvarious pieces of information as well as images. For example, thedisplay portion may be realized with an organic EL display.

In Embodiment 1-5, the microcomputer 110 is illustrated as the controlportion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and anymeans for controlling the camera 10 may be used. Furthermore, thecontrol portion may include a plurality of semiconductor devices. Thecontrol portion may include electronic components such as a resistor, acapacitor, and the like which are not semiconductor devices.Furthermore, the control portion may include a memory, if required.Furthermore, the control portion may include software or may be composedonly of hardware. A program contained in the control portion may bechangeable or fixed without change permitted. Furthermore, as thecontrol portion, anything that is capable of controlling a battery canbe used.

Furthermore, in Embodiments 1-5, although the microcomputer 110 controlsthe camera body 100, and the CPU 210 controls the interchangeable lens200, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, thecontrol portion provided on the camera body 110 side may control boththe camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200. In this case, theinterchangeable lens 200 may not be provided with the control portion.

In Embodiments 1-5, the LV preview button 140 j is illustrated as thediaphragm adjustment instruction receiving portion. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto, and any means used for instructing thecamera 10 to perform a diaphragm adjustment may be used. For example,the diaphragm adjustment instruction receiving portion may be realizedwith a slide-type or touch-type switch. Furthermore, the diaphragmadjustment instruction receiving portion may be realized with amanipulation key or the like for giving an instruction regarding adiaphragm adjustment from the menu screen. Furthermore, the diaphragmadjustment instruction receiving portion may be realized with the remotecontrol receiving portion 155 that receives a control signal from aremote controller.

In Embodiments 1-5, although the microcomputer 110 is illustrated as theimage processing means, the present invention is not limited thereto,and any means may be used as long as it can perform image processingsuch as YC conversion processing. For example, the image processingmeans may be composed of hardware such as a DSP (digital signalprocessor). Furthermore, the image processing means may be composed ofone semiconductor device or a plurality of semiconductor devices.Furthermore, the image processing means may include electroniccomponents such as a resistor and a capacitor that are not semiconductordevices. Furthermore, a program contained in the image processing meanscan be changeable or fixed without change permitted. Furthermore, theimage processing means and the control portion may be composed of onesemiconductor device, or separate semiconductor devices. Furthermore,the image processing means may include a memory, if required.

In Embodiments 1-5, the release button 141 is illustrated as the releaseportion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and anymeans for giving an instruction regarding the start of capturing animage for recording may be used. For example, the release portion may berealized with a slide-type or touch-type switch. Furthermore, therelease portion may be realized with a manipulation key or the like forgiving an instruction regarding a diaphragm adjustment from a menuscreen. Furthermore, the release portion may be realized with the remotecontrol receiving portion 155 that receives a control signal from theremote controller. Furthermore, the release portion may be composed of atouch screen. Furthermore, the release portion may be realized with amicrophone that receives a voice. In this case, the user gives aninstruction regarding the start of capturing an image for recording witha voice. Furthermore, the release operation by the release portion alsoincludes a release operation in a self-timer mode.

In Embodiments 1-5, the AF sensor 132 is illustrated as thedistance-measuring portion. However, the present invention is notlimited thereto, and any means for obtaining information on the distancefrom the camera 10 to a subject may be used. For example, thedistance-measuring portion may be realized with a sensor used for activeautofocusing. Herein, according to the present invention, theinformation on the distance from the subject to the camera 10 is aconcept including a defocus amount of the subject image.

In Embodiments 1-5, the memory card 300 is illustrated as the recordingportion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and anymeans for recording an image for recording may be used. For example, therecording portion may be realized with a memory contained in the camera10 without being attachable/detachable to the camera 10. Furthermore,the recording portion may be realized with a flash memory, aferroelectric memory, a DRAM, or an SRAM with a power supply, or thelike. Furthermore, the recording portion may be realized with a harddisk or an optical disk. Furthermore, the recording portion may berealized with a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk recording portion.

In Embodiments 1-5, the release button 141 is illustrated as the AFstart instruction receiving portion. However, the present invention isnot limited thereto, and any means for giving an instruction regardingthe start of an autofocus operation may be used. For example, the AFstart instruction receiving portion may be realized with a slide-type ortouch-type switch. Furthermore, the AF start instruction receivingportion may be realized with a manipulation key or the like for givingan instruction regarding the start of an autofocus operation from themenu screen. Furthermore, the AF start instruction receiving portion maybe realized with the remote control receiving portion 155 that receivesa control signal from a remote controller. Furthermore, the AF startinstruction receiving portion may be realized with a touch screen.Furthermore, the AF start instruction receiving portion may be realizedwith a microphone that receives a voice. In this case, the user gives aninstruction regarding the start of an AF operation with a voice.

In Embodiments 1-5, although AF sensor 132 is provided, the AF sensor132 is not necessarily required. In the case where the AF sensor is notprovided, for example, an autofocus operation is performed using acontrast value of the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130.

In Embodiments 1-5, although the AE sensor 133 is provided, the AEsensor 133 is not necessarily required. In the case where the AE sensor133 is not provided, for example, a photometric operation is performedusing the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130.

In Embodiments 1-5, regarding the photometric system, although whetheronly the AE sensor is used, only the CMOS sensor 130 is used, or boththe AE sensor 133 and the CMOS sensor 130 are used can be selected fromthe menu screen, the present invention is not limited thereto. Forexample, only one of the above-mentioned photometric systems may be usedat all times, or a selection can be performed among any two of them.Furthermore, a photometric system may be selected from the otherphotometric systems as well as the above.

In Embodiments 1-5, the supersonic vibration generator 134 isillustrated as a foreign matter removing portion. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto, and any means for removing foreignmatter mixed in the protective material 138 or the mirror box 130 may beused. For example, the foreign matter removing portion may be realizedwith means for spraying air. Furthermore, the foreign matter removingportion may be realized with means for removing foreign matter with abrush or the like. Furthermore, the foreign matter removing portion maybe realized with means for moving foreign matter using staticelectricity.

In Embodiments 1-5, the diaphragm ring 242 is illustrated as thediaphragm manipulation portion. However, the present invention is notlimited thereto, and manipulation means for driving the power of thediaphragm 240 may be used. Furthermore, the diaphragm manipulationportion may be provided on the camera body 100 side.

In Embodiments 1-5, the menu button 140 a is illustrated as the settingmanipulation portion. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto, and any means for displaying the menu screen on the liquidcrystal monitor 150 may be used. For example, the setting manipulationportion may be realized with a slide-type or touch-type switch.Furthermore, the setting manipulation portion may be realized with theremote control receiving portion 155 that receives a control signal froma remote controller. Furthermore, the setting manipulation portion maybe realized with a touch screen. Furthermore, the setting manipulationportion may be realized with a microphone that receives a voice. In thiscase, the user gives an instruction that the menu screen will bedisplayed with a voice.

In Embodiments 1-5, the power supply switch 142 is illustrated as thepower supply manipulation portion. However, the present invention is notlimited thereto, and any means for turning on/off the power supply ofthe camera 10 may be used. For example, the power supply manipulationportion may be realized with a push button or a touch-type switch.Furthermore, the power supply manipulation portion may be realized withthe remote control receiving portion 155 that receives a control signalfrom a remote controller. Furthermore, the power supply manipulationportion may be composed of a touch screen. Furthermore, the power supplymanipulation portion may be realized with a microphone that receives avoice. In this case, the user gives an instruction that the power supplyis turned on/off with a voice.

In Embodiment 1, in the case where an image is captured using the singlefocus mode in the live view mode, when the release button 141 is pressedfully before a predetermined time elapses after the release button 141is pressed halfway, the camera 10 is shifted to an image pickupoperation without returning to the live view display operation once.However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example,irrespective of the lapse of a predetermined time, the camera 10 mayreturn to the live view display operation first after the release button141 is pressed halfway.

In Embodiments 1-5, although an image file pursuant to the Exifspecification is illustrated as the image for recording, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, the image for recordingmay be a TIFF (tagged image file format) image file, an RGB signal imagefile, an image file pursuant to the MPEG (Motion Picture Expert Group)specification, or an image file pursuant to the Motion-JPEG (JPEG: JointPhotographic Expert Group) specification.

[Note 1]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adiaphragm that adjusts an amount of light of the subject image formed bythe image pickup optical system; and a control portion controlling thedigital camera to enter a live view mode so that the generated imagedata or the image data obtained by subjecting the generated image datato predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as amoving image in real time, wherein the control portion controls, in thelive view mode, an aperture size of the diaphragm so that lightness ofthe subject image incident upon the image pickup element is equal tothat at a time when an image for recording is captured.

According to the above configuration, the diaphragm is set in the liveview in the same way as that at a time when the image for recording iscaptured. Therefore, the depth of field of the image for recording canbe checked easily in the live view display before the image is captured.Thus, the user can obtain a favorite image easily with a simplemanipulation.

[Note 2]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adiaphragm that adjusts an amount of light of the subject image formed bythe image pickup optical system; a diaphragm adjustment instructionreceiving portion that receives an instruction of a user regarding anadjustment of an aperture size of the diaphragm so that lightness of thesubject image incident upon the image pickup element is equal to that ata time when an image for recording is captured; and a control portioncontrolling the digital camera to enter a live view mode so that thegenerated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting thegenerated image data to predetermined processing is displayed on thedisplay portion as a moving image in real time, wherein the controlportion controls so as to open, in the live view mode, the diaphragm sothat the lightness of the subject image incident upon the image pickupelement is different from that at a time when the image for recording iscaptured, and when the diaphragm adjustment instruction receivingportion is manipulated, the control portion controls so as to adjust anaperture size of the diaphragm so that the lightness of the subjectimage incident upon the image pickup element is equal to that at a timewhen the image for recording is captured and display a part of the imagedata to be displayed on the display portion in an enlarged state.

According to the above configuration, with the simple manipulation ofmanipulating the diaphragm adjustment instruction receiving portion, thedepth of field of the image for recording can be checked easily in thelive view display before the image is captured, and the depth of fieldcan be checked in detail by enlarging a part of a display image.

[Note 3]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; imageprocessing means that generates an image file including a header portionbased on the image data generated by the image pickup element; and acontrol portion controlling the digital camera to enter a live view modeso that the generated image data or the image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time, whereinin a case where the image processing means generates the image filebased on the image data generated in the live view mode, the headerportion included in the image file to be generated stores informationindicating that the image data is generated in the live view mode.

According to the above configuration, by analyzing the header portion ofthe generated image file, whether the image data included in the imagefile is generated in the live view mode or in the OVF mode can begrasped easily. The user can grasp the relationship between the qualityof an image captured by the user and a finder mode. This can be used forenhancing a photographic technique, and the like.

[Note 4]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; manualfocus means that adjusts the image pickup optical system in accordancewith a manipulation of the user to change a focus of the subject image;and a control portion controlling the digital camera to enter a liveview mode so that the generated image data or the image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time, whereinwhen the manual focus means is manipulated under a condition that themovable mirror guides the subject image to the optical viewfinder, thecontrol portion controls so as to display measurement results of thedistance-measuring portion or information based on the measurementresults on the display portion.

According to the above, the user can check if a focus has been adjustedbased on the information displayed on the display portion as well as theimage during a manual focus manipulation. Therefore, a focus can beadjusted exactly even with the manual focus manipulation.

[Note 5]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; imageprocessing means that performs predetermined image processing withrespect to the image data generated by the image pickup element; arecording portion that records the image data processed by the imageprocessing means; and a control portion controlling the digital camerato enter a live view mode so that the generated image data or the imagedata obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predeterminedprocessing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in realtime, wherein the control portion controls so as to stop the live viewmode while the image processing is being performed by the imageprocessing means and/or while the image data for recording is beingrecorded by the recording portion.

According to the above configuration, during the image processing orrecording processing, the control portion and the image processing meansdo not need to take the processing ability for the live view display, sothat the image processing and recording processing can be performedrapidly.

[Note 6]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; manualfocus means that adjusts the image pickup optical system in accordancewith a manipulation of a user to change a focus of the subject image;and a control portion controlling the digital camera to enter a liveview mode so that the generated image data or the image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time, whereinwhen the manual focus means is being manipulated under a condition thatthe movable mirror is not positioned in the optical path of the opticalimage pickup system, the control portion controls so as to display acontrast value of the image data generated by the image pickup elementor information based on the contrast value on the display portion.

According to the above configuration, the user can check whether or nota focus has been adjusted based on the information displayed on thedisplay portion as well as the image during the manual focusmanipulation. Therefore, a focus can be adjusted exactly even with themanual focus manipulation.

[Note 7]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adiaphragm that adjusts an amount of light of the subject image formed bythe image pickup optical system;

a distance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion; and a control portion that controlsso as to start adjusting an aperture value of the diaphragm after themeasurement by the distance-measuring portion and before the completionof the adjustment of the focus of the subject image by the autofocusportion.

According to the above configuration, the diaphragm is driven withoutwaiting for the completion of the autofocus operation, so that a timerequired for setting the diaphragm can be shortened.

[Note 8]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion; an AF start instruction receivingportion that receives an instruction of a user regarding activation ofthe autofocus portion; and a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the generated image data or theimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time, wherein when the AF start instruction receivingportion receives an instruction regarding start of the autofocusoperation in the live view mode, the control portion controls themovable mirror to enter the optical path to measure the distance by thedistance-measuring portion, and thereafter, allow the movable mirror toretract from the optical path to return the digital camera to the liveview mode.

According to the above configuration, operations from the autofocusoperation using the distance-measuring portion to the live view displaycan be performed easily with a simple manipulation of manipulating theAF start instruction receiving portion. Therefore, the user can adjust acomposition in the live view display under the condition that thesubject is focused with a simple manipulation.

[Note 9]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; arelease portion that receives an instruction of a user regarding startof capturing an image for recording by the image pickup element; adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion; an AF start instruction receivingportion that receives an instruction of the user regarding activation ofthe autofocus portion; and a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the generated image data or theimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time, wherein after allowing the autofocus portion tostart an autofocus operation in accordance with a manipulation of the AFstart instruction receiving portion, the control portion determineswhether to shift the digital camera directly to an image pickupoperation of an image for recording in accordance with a timing at whichthe release portion receives the instruction regarding the start ofcapturing an image, or to shift the digital camera to the live view modeand thereafter, shifts the digital camera to the image pickup operationof the image for recording when the release portion receives theinstruction regarding the start of capturing an image.

[Note 10]

The digital camera according to Note 9, wherein when the release portionreceives the instruction regarding the start of capturing an imagewithin a predetermined time after the control portion allows theautofocus portion to start an autofocus operation in accordance with themanipulation of the AF start instruction receiving portion, the controlportion shifts the digital camera directly to the image pickup operationof the image for recording, and when the release portion does notreceive the instruction regarding the start of capturing an image withinthe predetermined time, the control portion shifts the digital camera tothe live view mode, and thereafter, shifts the digital camera to theimage pickup operation of the image for recording when the releaseportion receives the instruction regarding the start of capturing animage.

According to the above configuration, when the release portion ismanipulated immediately after the AF start instruction receiving portionis manipulated, image pickup is started without performing a live viewdisplay, so that a time from the manipulation of the AF startinstruction receiving portion to the start of capturing an image can beshortened. This is because the movable mirror is not moved up/downunnecessarily. Therefore, the use can capture a favorite image withoutletting a shutter timing slip away. On the other hand, when the userdesires to change a composition while watching the display portion afterdetermining a focus state, the digital camera may wait for the elapse ofa predetermined time after operating the AF start instruction receivingportion.

[Note 11]

The digital camera according to Note 9, wherein when the release portionreceives the instruction regarding the start of capturing an imagebefore an autofocus operation is completed after the control portionallows the autofocus portion to start the autofocus operation inaccordance with the manipulation of the AF start instruction receivingportion, the control portion shifts the digital camera directly to theimage pickup operation of the image for recording, and when the releaseportion does not receive the instruction regarding the start ofcapturing an image before the autofocus operation is completed, thecontrol portion shifts the digital camera to the live view mode first,and thereafter, shifts the digital camera to the image pickup operationof the image for recording when the release portion receives theinstruction regarding the start of capturing an image.

[Note 12]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion; and a control portion controlling thedigital camera to enter a live view mode so that the generated imagedata or the image data obtained by subjecting the generated image datato predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as amoving image in real time, wherein the control portion controls thedigital camera to vary between a method for displaying an image on thedisplay portion and a method for not displaying an image on the displayportion based on a case where the control portion allows the movablemirror to enter the optical path so as to allow the autofocus portion toperform an autofocus operation and a case where the control portionallows the moveable mirror to enter the optical path so as to preparefor capturing an image for recording by the image pickup element.

According to the above configuration, a display on the display portionis varied, so that it is easy to recognize whether the digital camera isin an autofocus operation or an image pickup operation. Therefore, theproblem that the user is likely to confuse both the operations can besolved. The reason why the user is likely to confuse both the operationsis that patterns of sounds generated from the movable mirror in both theoperations are similar to each other (the movable mirror is moveddown/up during both the autofocus operation and the image pickupoperation).

[Note 13]

The digital camera according to Note 12 further includes storage meansthat stores the image data generated by the image pickup element orimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing, wherein when the control portion allows themovable mirror to enter the optical path so as to allow the autofocusportion to perform an autofocus operation, the image data stored in thestorage means or the image data obtained by subjecting the image datastored in the storage means to predetermined processing is displayed onthe display portion, and when the control portion allows the movablemirror to enter the optical path for preparing for capturing an imagefor recording by the image pickup element, the image data stored in thestorage means or the image data obtained by subjecting the image datastored in the storage means to predetermined processing is not displayedon the display portion

According to the above, it becomes easy to recognize whether or not thedigital camera is in an autofocus operation or an image pickup operationmore clearly.

[Note 14]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system using measurement results of thedistance-measuring portion, or using contrast of the image datagenerated by the image pickup element or image data obtained bysubjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element topredetermined processing; and a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the generated image data or theimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time, wherein when the movable mirror is not positioned inthe optical path, the control portion controls the autofocus portion sothat an autofocus operation is performed using contrast, and when themovable mirror is positioned in the optical path, the control portioncontrols the autofocus portion so that an autofocus operation isperformed using the measurement results of the distance-measuringportion.

According to the above, an autofocus operation can be performed bothwhen the movable mirror is not positioned in the optical path and themovable mirror is positioned in the optical path.

[Note 15]

The digital camera according to Note 14, wherein in a case where thecontrol portion controls the autofocus portion so that an autofocusoperation is performed continuously using contrast, when the digitalcamera is shifted to an image pickup operation of the image forrecording in the image pickup element, the control portion controls sothat the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path, and theautofocus operation is performed using the measurement results of thedistance-measuring portion, before being shifted to the image pickupoperation.

According to the above configuration, before the release portionreceives an instruction regarding the start of capturing an image,autofocus based on the image data generated by the image pickup elementis performed, whereby a live view can be displayed on the displayportion continuously while the continuous focus operation is beingperformed. On the other hand, when the release portion receives theinstruction regarding the start of capturing an image, an autofocusoperation based on the measurement results of the distance-measuringportion is performed, so that focus can be adjusted more exactlyimmediately before image pickup. In particular, in the case of capturinga subject moving fast, a time from the last autofocus operation to theimage pickup operation can be shortened, so that focus is likely to beadjusted.

[Note 16]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system using measurement results of thedistance-measuring portion; a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the generated image data or theimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to thepredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time; and a setting portion that sets the control portionto be in the live view mode, wherein the control portion shifts thedigital camera to the live view mode after controlling the autofocusportion first so that the autofocus operation is performed, inaccordance with setting of the live view mode by the setting portion.

According to the above configuration, the autofocus operation isperformed at a time of switch to the live view mode, so that theobservation of a subject image can be started using the display portionunder a condition that the subject is focused immediately after thestart of a live view. Therefore, a time required from the switch to thelive view to the setting of a composition can be shortened, so that theoperability is satisfactory for the user.

[Note 17]

The digital camera according to Note 16, wherein after the measurementin the distance-measuring portion is performed in accordance with thesetting of the live view mode by the setting portion, the controlportion shifts the digital camera to the live view mode, and controls sothat at least a part of the autofocus operation by the autofocus portionis performed in parallel with the live view mode.

According to the above configuration, before the autofocus operation iscompleted, the digital camera can be shifted to the live view mode, sothat a time from the setting by the setting portion to the shift to thelive view mode can be shortened. Therefore, the operability becomessatisfactory for the user.

[Note 18]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system, using contrast of the image datagenerated by the image pickup element or image data obtained bysubjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element topredetermined processing; a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the generated image data or theimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time; and a setting portion that sets the control portionto be in the live view mode, wherein the control portion controls sothat the autofocus portion performs an autofocus operation once inaccordance with the setting of the live view mode by the settingportion, and thereafter, controls so that the digital camera is shiftedto the live view mode.

[Note 19]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion: and a control portion controlling thedigital camera to enter a live view mode so that the generated imagedata or the image data obtained by subjecting the generated image datato the predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as amoving image in real time; wherein when the movable mirror is positionedin the optical path, the control portion controls so that a pointfocused in the autofocus portion is displayed on the display portion.

According to the above configuration, in a case where the autofocusoperation is performed when the movable mirror is positioned in theoptical path, the focused point is displayed on a screen of the displayportion. Therefore, even when a live view display is not performed onthe display portion, which subject is focused can be grasped.

[Note 20]

The digital camera according to Note 19, further includes storage meansthat stores the image data generated by the image pickup element orimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing, wherein when the movable mirror is positionedin the optical path, the image data stored in the storage means or theimage data obtained by subjecting the image data stored in the storagemeans to predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion,and the point focused in the autofocus portion is displayed on thedisplay portion.

According to the above configuration, which subject is focused can begrasped more easily.

[Note 21]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; aforeign matter removing portion that removes foreign matter present inthe optical path of the image pickup optical system; and a controlportion controlling the digital camera to enter a live view mode so thatthe generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting thegenerated image data to predetermined processing is displayed on thedisplay portion as a moving image in real time; wherein when the controlportion determines whether or not foreign matter is present in theoptical path of the image pickup optical system based on the image datagenerated in the live view mode or image data obtained by subjecting theimage data generated in the live view mode to predetermined processing,and controls so that the foreign matter removing portion is activatedwhen the control portion determines that foreign matter is present.

According to the above, foreign matter in the optical path can beremoved easily with a simple manipulation.

[Note 22]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; aphotometric portion that measures an amount of light from the subjectwhen the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of the imagepickup optical system; an illumination portion that illuminates thesubject with light; a diaphragm that adjusts an amount of light of thesubject image formed by the image pickup optical system; and a controlportion controlling the digital camera to enter a live view mode so thatthe generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting thegenerated image data to predetermined processing is displayed on thedisplay portion as a moving image in real time; wherein after the amountof light from the subject is obtained based on the image data generatedby the image pickup element, the control portion controls the movablemirror to enter the optical path of the image pickup optical system,allow the illumination portion to flash light, and obtain measurementresults of the photometric portion.

As described above, stationary light is measured with the image pickupelement, while pre-flash is measured with the photometric portion.Therefore, stationary light is measured immediately after the fulldepression, while the pre-flash can be measured more exactly.

[Note 23]

The digital camera according to Note 22, wherein the control portionsets an aperture value of the diaphragm and/or an exposure time of theimage pickup element, based on the amount of light from the subjectobtained based on the image data generated by the image pickup elementand the measurement results of the photometric portion.

[Note 24]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; a shockdetecting portion that detects shock applied to the digital camera; anda control portion controlling the digital camera to enter a live viewmode so that the generated image data or the image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time, whereinthe control portion controls so that, in a case where a live view modeis set, the digital camera comes out of the live view mode first and isshifted to the live view mode again, in accordance with detectionresults of the shock detecting portion.

As described above, the live view mode is reset as a result of thedetection of shock, so that the digital camera can be recoveredautomatically from a state where a live view display is interrupted bythe shock. This can prevent the user from misunderstanding that thedigital camera is out of order. Furthermore, when the live view displayis interrupted, it is not necessary to perform a manipulation ofrecovering the live view display manually, so that the operability issatisfactory.

[Note 25]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adiaphragm that adjusts an amount of light of the subject image formed bythe image pickup optical system; a diaphragm adjustment instructionreceiving portion that receives an instruction of a user regardingadjustment of an aperture size of the diaphragm so that lightness of thesubject image incident upon the image pickup element is equal to that ata time when an image for recording is captured; and a control portioncontrolling the digital camera to enter a live view mode so that thegenerated image data or image data obtained by subjecting the generatedimage data to predetermined processing is displayed on the displayportion as a moving image in real time, wherein when the diaphragmadjustment instruction receiving portion is manipulated when the movablemirror guides the subject image to the optical view finder, the controlportion controls so as to adjust the aperture size of the diaphragm sothat the lightness of the subject image incident upon the image pickupelement is equal to that at a time when the image for recording iscaptured and to shift the digital camera to the live view mode.

According to the above configuration, the digital camera is shifted tothe live view mode even during the OVF operation, and the depth of fieldof the image for recording can be checked easily in a live view displaybefore the image is captured, with a simple manipulation of manipulatingthe diaphragm adjustment instruction receiving portion.

[Note 26]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; areceiving portion that receives a control signal from a remotecontroller; and a control portion controlling the digital camera toenter a live view mode so that the generated image data or the imagedata obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predeterminedprocessing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in realtime, wherein when the receiving portion receives the control signalfrom the remote controller, the control portion shifts the digitalcamera to the live view mode.

According to the above configuration, when a signal giving aninstruction regarding the autofocus operation, an image pickup startsignal, a self-timer setting signal, or the like is received from theremote controller, the digital camera is shifted to the live view modeautomatically. When an image is captured with the remote controller, theimage is captured under the condition that the digital camera is awayfrom the hand (e.g., under the condition that the digital camera isfixed to a tripod, the digital camera is left on a desk, etc.) in manycases. In such a case, an image is likely to be grasped if the image iscaptured with an electronic viewfinder having a large screen, comparedwith the case where the image is captured with the optical viewfinder.In the case of receiving a signal from the remote controller, thedigital camera is shifted to the live view mode automatically asdescribed above, whereby the time and labor for switching to the liveview mode manually are saved, which enhances the operability.

[Note 27]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; atripod fixing portion that fixes the digital camera to a tripod; and acontrol portion controlling the digital camera to enter a live view modeso that the generated image data or the image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time, whereinwhen the digital camera is fixed to the tripod by the tripod fixingportion, the control portion shifts the digital camera to the live viewmode.

According to the above configuration, in the case where the digitalcamera is fixed to the tripod, the digital camera is shifted to the liveview mode automatically. When an image is captured under the conditionthat the digital camera is fixed to the tripod, an image is likely to begrasped if the image is captured with an electronic viewfinder having alarge screen, compared with the case where the image is captured withthe optical viewfinder. When the digital camera is fixed to the tripod,the digital camera is shifted to the live view mode automatically asdescribed above, whereby the time and labor for switching to the liveview mode manually are saved, which enhances the operability.

[Note 28]

The digital camera according to Note 27 further includes adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path, and anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion, wherein when the digital camera isfixed to the tripod by the tripod fixing portion, the control portioncontrols the autofocus portion first so that an autofocus operation isperformed immediately after the digital camera is fixed to the tripod orafter a predetermined time elapses from the time when the digital camerais fixed to the tripod, and thereafter, the control portion controls sothat the digital camera is shifted to the live view mode.

[Note 29]

The digital camera according to Note 28 further includes a settingportion that sets the control portion in a live view mode,

wherein when the digital camera is fixed to the tripod by the tripodfixing portion, the control portion controls the autofocus portion sothat the autofocus operation is performed once, and thereafter, controlsso that the digital camera is shifted to the live view mode, inaccordance with the setting of the live view mode by the settingportion.

[Note 30]

The digital camera according to Note 27 further includes an autofocusportion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjusting the imagepickup optical system, using contrast of the image data generated by theimage pickup element or image data obtained by subjecting the image datagenerated by the image pickup element to predetermined processing,wherein when the digital camera is fixed to the tripod by the tripodfixing portion, the control portion controls the autofocus portion sothat the autofocus operation is operated immediately after the digitalcamera is fixed to the tripod by the tripod fixing portion or after apredetermined time elapses from the time when the digital camera isfixed to the tripod.

[Note 31]

The digital camera according to Note 30 further includes a settingportion that sets the control portion in the live view mode,

wherein when the digital camera is fixed to the tripod by the tripodfixing portion, the control portion shifts the digital camera to thelive view mode and controls the autofocus portion so that the autofocusoperation is performed, in accordance with the setting of the live viewmode by the setting portion.

[Note 32]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; ashaking detecting portion that detects shaking of the digital camera;and a control portion controlling the digital camera to enter a liveview mode so that the generated image data or the image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time, whereinthe control portion shifts the digital camera to the live view mode inaccordance with detection results of the shaking detecting portion.

[Note 33]

The digital camera according to Note 32 further includes adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path, and anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion,

wherein the control portion shifts the digital camera to the live viewmode after controlling the autofocus portion so that the autofocusoperation is performed first in accordance with the detection results ofthe shaking detecting portion.

[Note 34]

The digital camera according to Note 33 further includes a settingportion that sets the control portion in the live view mode,

wherein the control portion shifts the digital camera to the live viewmode after controlling the autofocus portion so that the autofocusoperation is performed first in accordance with the detection results ofthe shaking detecting portion and the setting of the live view mode bythe setting portion.

[Note 35]

The digital camera according to Note 32 further includes an autofocusportion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjusting the imagepickup optical system, using contrast of the image data generated by theimage pickup element or image data obtained by subjecting the image datagenerated by the image pickup element to predetermined processing,

wherein the control portion controls the autofocus portion so that theautofocus operation is performed, in accordance with the detectionresults of the shaking detecting portion.

[Note 36]

The digital camera according to Note 35 further includes a settingportion that sets the control portion in the live view mode,

wherein the control portion shifts the digital camera to the live viewmode and controls the autofocus portion so that the autofocus operationis performed, in accordance with the detection results of the shakingdetecting portion and the setting of the live view mode by the settingportion.

[Note 37]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing, andthat is held rotatably by the digital camera; and a control portioncontrolling the digital camera to enter a live view mode so that thegenerated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting thegenerated image data to predetermined processing is displayed on thedisplay portion as a moving image in real time, wherein the controlportion shifts the digital camera to the live view mode when the displayportion is rotated.

According to the above configuration, in the case where the displayportion is rotated, the digital camera is shifted to the live view modeautomatically. In the case where the display portion is rotated, theuser is intended to capture an image using the display portion(electronic viewfinder) in many cases. The digital camera is shifted tothe live view mode automatically in the case where the display portionis rotated, whereby time and labor for switching to the live modemanually are saved, which enhances the operability.

[Note 38]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; an outputterminal used to output the generated image data or image data obtainedby subjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing to anexternal apparatus; and a control portion that controls in such a mannerthat, when a terminal from the external apparatus is connected to theoutput terminal, the movable mirror is not positioned in the opticalpath of the image pickup optical system, the image pickup elementcaptures the subject image formed by the image pickup optical system togenerate image data, and the generated image data or image data obtainedby subjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing areoutput to the external apparatus via the output terminal.

According to the above configuration, when the terminal from theexternal apparatus is connected to the digital camera, the image datagenerated by the image pickup element can be output to the externalapparatus automatically. In the case where the terminal from theexternal apparatus is connected to the digital camera, the user attemptsto display an image that is being captured in real time on the externalapparatus in many cases. In the case where the terminal from theexternal apparatus is connected to the digital camera, the digitalcamera is shifted to the live view mode automatically, whereby time andlabor for switching to the live mode manually are saved, which enhancesthe operability.

[Note 39]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that is capable of displaying the generated image data or imagedata obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predeterminedprocessing by selecting an aspect ratio from a plurality of aspectratios including an aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder; and acontrol portion controlling the digital camera to enter a live view modeso that the generated image data or the image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time, whereinwhen the display aspect ratio is set to be an aspect ratio other thanthe aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder, the control portion shiftsthe digital camera to the live view mode.

Since the aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder is set in a fixedmanner, an entire image having a composition other than the set aspectratio may not be displayed, and even if the image can be displayed, itmay be too small to see. Thus, an image having a composition other thanthe aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder can be observed more easilywith the electronic viewfinder. In the case where the display aspectratio is set to be the one other than the aspect ratio of the opticalviewfinder, the digital camera is shifted to the live view modeautomatically, whereby time and labor for switching to the live modemanually are saved, which enhances the operability.

[Note 40]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adiaphragm that adjusts an amount of light of the subject image formed bythe image pickup optical system; a diaphragm manipulation portion thatchanges an aperture size of the diaphragm in accordance with amanipulation of a user; and a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the generated image data or theimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time, wherein when the diaphragm manipulation portion ismanipulated, the control portion shifts the digital camera to the liveview mode and display a part of the generated image data or image dataobtained by subjecting the generated image data to predeterminedprocessing on the display portion in an enlarged state.

According to the above configuration, the digital camera can be shiftedto the live view mode even during the OVF operation in accordance withthe manipulation of the diaphragm manipulation portion. This saves thetime and labor for switching to the live view mode manually to enhancethe operability. Furthermore, since a place where the depth of field isrequired to be checked can be enlarged instantaneously, so that thedepth of field can be checked easily.

[Note 41]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a settingmanipulation portion that receives an instruction of a user regardingdisplay of setting information on the digital camera; a display portionthat displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing, anddisplays the setting information on the digital camera in accordancewith a manipulation of the setting manipulation portion; and a controlportion controlling the digital camera to enter a live view mode so thatthe generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting thegenerated image data to predetermined processing is displayed on thedisplay portion as a moving image in real time, wherein when the liveview mode is set, the control portion controls so that the digitalcamera comes out of the live view mode and the setting information onthe digital camera is displayed on the display portion, in accordancewith the manipulation of the setting manipulation portion.

When the setting information display screen is displayed so as tooverlap the live view screen, the live view screen is difficult to see.In such a case, it is convenient to display both the screens separatelyso that the setting information display screen is observed by thedisplay portion, and the live view screen is observed through theoptical viewfinder. However, in such a case, both the manipulation ofthe setting portion and the manual switching to the optical viewfindermode are required, which is inconvenient. In accordance with themanipulation of the setting manipulation portion, the digital cameracomes out of the live view mode, and the setting information on thedigital camera is displayed on the display portion, whereby theoperability is enhanced.

[Note 42]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; acontrol portion controlling the digital camera to enter a live view modeso that the generated image data or the image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time; and apower supply manipulation portion that turns on/off a power supply ofthe digital camera, wherein when the power supply manipulation portionis manipulated in a direction of turning off the power supply of thedigital camera under a condition that the live view mode is set, thecontrol portion controls so that the digital camera comes out of thelive view mode, and the movable mirror is positioned in the optical pathof the image pickup optical system.

According to the above configuration, the digital camera is shifted tothe OVF mode before the power supply is turned off, thereby moving downthe movable mirror. Therefore, even when the power supply is turned offafter that, the subject image can be observed through the opticalviewfinder. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch to the OVF modemanually, which enhances the operability.

[Note 43]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a batterycover that opens/closes a battery accommodating portion accommodating abattery; a display portion that displays the generated image data orimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing; and a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the generated image data or theimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time; wherein when the battery cover is opened when thelive view mode is set, the control portion controls so that the digitalcamera comes out of the live view mode, and the movable mirror ispositioned in the optical path of the image pickup optical system.

According to the above configuration, the digital camera is shifted tothe OVF mode before the battery is pulled out, whereby the movablemirror is moved down. Therefore, even when the power supply is turnedoff after that, the subject image can be observed through the opticalviewfinder. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch to the OVF modemanually, which enhances the operability.

[Note 44]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; acontrol portion controlling the digital camera to enter a live view modeso that the generated image data or the image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing isdisplayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time; and abattery accommodating portion accommodating a battery, wherein when avoltage of the battery accommodated in the battery accommodating portiondecreases under a condition that the live view mode is set, the controlportion controls so that the digital camera comes out of the live viewmode, and the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of theimage pickup optical system.

According to the above configuration, the movable mirror can be moveddown before the power supply is turned off due to the decrease in thevoltage of the battery. Therefore, even when the power supply is turnedoff after that, the subject image can be observed through the opticalviewfinder. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch to the OVF modemanually, which enhances the operability.

[Note 45]

A digital camera to which an interchangeable lens included in an imagepickup optical system is attachable/detachable, having a movable mirrorprovided so as to enter or retract with respect to an optical path of animage pickup optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to anoptical viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures thesubject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generateimage data; a display portion that displays the generated image data orimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing; and a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the generated image data or theimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time, wherein when the attached interchangeable lens isremoved when the live view mode is set, the control portion controls sothat the digital camera comes out of the live view mode, and the movablemirror is positioned in the optical path of the image pickup opticalsystem.

When the interchangeable lens is removed in the live view mode, theimage pickup element is exposed, and dust and the like are likely toadhere to the image pickup element. Therefore, it is necessary to shiftthe digital camera from the live view mode to the OVF mode beforeremoving the interchangeable lens; however, time and labor are neededfor switching to the OVF mode manually. When the attachedinterchangeable lens is removed when the live view mode is set, thedigital camera comes out of the live view mode, and the movable mirroris positioned in the optical path of the image pickup optical system, asdescribed above. Consequently, the movable mirror can be moved downautomatically when the interchangeable lens is removed, so that theoperability becomes satisfactory. Furthermore, the movable mirror can bemoved down exactly even without a manipulation of moving down themovable mirror when the user removes the interchangeable lens.Therefore, dust and the like become unlikely to adhere to the movablemirror.

[Note 46]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; storagemeans that stores image data generated by the image pickup element orimage data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the imagepickup element to predetermined processing; an output terminal used tooutput the image data stored in the storage means to an externalapparatus: and a control portion controls so that, when a terminal fromthe external apparatus is connected to the output terminal when theimage data generated by the image pickup element or image data obtainedby subjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element topredetermined processing is displayed as a moving image in real time,the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of the image pickupoptical system, and the image data stored in the storage means is outputto the external apparatus via the output terminal.

When the terminal from the external apparatus is connected to thedigital camera, the user attempts to display the image data stored inthe digital camera or in a memory card attached to the digital camera onthe external apparatus in many cases. In such a case, if a live viewdisplay is performed on the display portion while the image data isbeing sent to the external apparatus, the burden on the control portionbecomes large. Therefore, in the case of sending the image data to theexternal apparatus, it is preferable that the digital camera comes outof the live view mode. However, time and labor are needed for allowingthe digital camera to come out of the live view mode manually when thedigital camera is connected to the external apparatus. Thus, asdescribed above, when the terminal from the external apparatus isconnected to the output terminal, the control portion controls so thatthe movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of the image pickupoptical system, and the image data stored in the storage means is outputto the external apparatus via the output terminal. Consequently, thedigital camera can comes out of the live view mode automatically whenthe digital camera is connected to the external apparatus, so that theoperability is satisfactory. Furthermore, since the digital camera ispositioned in the OVF mode simultaneously, it also is possible toobserve a real-time image through the optical viewfinder.

[Note 47]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a displayportion that displays the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adistance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and obtainsinformation on a distance from the subject to the digital camera in astate where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; anautofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjustingthe image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion; an AF start instruction receivingportion that receives an indication of a user regarding activation ofthe autofocus portion; and a control portion controlling the digitalcamera to enter a live view mode so that the generated image data orimage data obtained by subjecting the generated image data topredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time and a continuous focus mode updating a focus state ofthe subject image continuously by the autofocus portion when the AFstart instruction receiving portion receives an instruction, wherein thecontrol portion is capable of controlling the autofocus portion in thecontinuous focus mode when the movable mirror guides the subject imageto the optical viewfinder, and does not control the autofocus portion inthe continuous focus mode in the live view mode.

Consequently, the autofocus operation including the continuous autofocusoperation can be realized only with the autofocus operation using thedistance-measuring portion.

[Note 48]

A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to enter orretract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup opticalsystem for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinderincludes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image formedby the image pickup optical system to generate image data; storage meansthat stores the generated image data or image data obtained bysubjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing; adisplay portion that displays the generated image data or image dataobtained by subjecting the generated image data to predeterminedprocessing; and a control portion controlling the digital camera toenter a live view mode so that the generated image data or image dataobtained by subjecting the generated image data to predeterminedprocessing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in realtime, wherein the control portion controls so as to generate a pluralityof images reduced in size based on the image data stored in the storagemeans, subject the plurality of images reduced in size to imageprocessings different from each other, and arrange and display theplurality of images reduced in size on the display portion as a movingimage.

Since the plurality of images reduced in size are displayed as a liveview screen, the respective images reduced in size can be compared witheach other easily. In particular, by electronically realizing thedifference in image pickup conditions, an image obtained by capturing animage for recording can be grasped easily.

The present invention is applicable to a digital camera that includes amovable mirror and enables a subject image to be observed through anelectronic viewfinder. For example, the present invention is applicableto a single-lens reflex camera and the like. The present invention alsois applicable to a camera capable of capturing a moving image as well asa camera for capturing a still image.

What is claimed is:
 1. A digital camera having a movable mirror providedso as to enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an imagepickup optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to anoptical viewfinder, comprising: an image pickup element configured tocapture the subject image formed by the image pickup optical system togenerate image data; a display portion configured to display the imagedata generated by the image pickup element or image data obtained bysubjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element topredetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion configured toreceive the subject image and obtain information on a distance from thesubject to the digital camera in a state where the movable mirror ispositioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion configured toadjust a focus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickupoptical system in accordance with measurement results of thedistance-measuring portion; a release button that during a live viewmode is configured to receive an instruction of a user regardingactivation of the autofocus portion by being pressed halfway, andconfigured to receive an instruction of a user regarding start ofcapturing an image for recording by the image pickup element by beingpressed fully; and a control portion configured to control the digitalcamera to enter the live view mode so that the image data generated bythe image pickup element or the image data obtained by subjecting theimage data generated by the image pickup element to predeterminedprocessing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in realtime, wherein while the movable mirror is retracted with respect to theoptical path and the digital camera is controlled to enter the live viewmode, in response to the instruction regarding activation of theautofocus portion received by the release button by being pressedhalfway, the control portion is configured to control the movable mirrorto enter the optical path so as to allow the autofocus portion to startan autofocus operation and determines whether to shift the digitalcamera directly to an image pickup operation of an image for recordingin accordance with a timing at which the release button receives theinstruction regarding the start of capturing an image, or to shift thedigital camera to the live view mode and thereafter, shift the digitalcamera to the image pickup operation of the image for recording when therelease button receives the instruction regarding the start of capturingan image.
 2. A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as toenter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickupoptical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an opticalviewfinder, comprising: an image pickup element configured to capturethe subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generateimage data; a display portion configured to display the image datagenerated by the image pickup element or image data obtained bysubjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element topredetermined processing; a release portion configured to receive aninstruction of a user regarding start of capturing an image forrecording by the image pickup element; a distance-measuring portionconfigured to receive the subject image and obtain information on adistance from the subject to the digital camera in a state where themovable mirror is positioned in the optical path; an autofocus portionconfigured to adjust a focus of the subject image by adjusting the imagepickup optical system in accordance with measurement results of thedistance-measuring portion; an AF start instruction receiving portionconfigured to receive an instruction of a user regarding activation ofthe autofocus portion; and a control portion configured to control thedigital camera to enter a live view mode so that the image datagenerated by the image pickup element or the image data obtained bysubjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element topredetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a movingimage in real time, wherein after allowing the autofocus portion tostart an autofocus operation in accordance with a manipulation of the AFstart instruction receiving portion while in the live view mode, thecontrol portion determines whether to shift the digital camera directlyto an image pickup operation of an image for recording in accordancewith a timing at which the release portion receives the instructionregarding the start of capturing an image, or to shift the digitalcamera to a live view mode and thereafter, shifts the digital camera tothe image pickup operation of the image for recording when the releaseportion receives the instruction regarding the start of capturing animage, wherein when the release portion receives the instructionregarding the start of capturing an image within a predetermined timeafter the control portion allows the autofocus portion to start anautofocus operation in accordance with the manipulation of the AF startinstruction receiving portion, the control portion shifts the digitalcamera directly to the image pickup operation of the image forrecording, and when the release portion does not receive the instructionregarding the start of capturing an image within the predetermined time,the control portion shifts the digital camera to the live view mode, andthereafter, shifts the digital camera to the image pickup operation ofthe image for recording when the release portion receives theinstruction regarding the start of capturing an image.
 3. The digitalcamera according to claim 1, wherein when the release button receivesthe instruction regarding the start of capturing an image before anautofocus operation is completed after the control portion allows theautofocus portion to start the autofocus operation in accordance withthe instruction regarding activation of the autofocus portion receivedby the release button, the control portion shifts the digital cameradirectly to the image pickup operation of the image for recording, andwhen the release button does not receive the instruction regarding thestart of capturing an image before the autofocus operation is completed,the control portion shifts the digital camera to the live view mode, andthereafter, shifts the digital camera to the image pickup operation ofthe image for recording when the release button receives the instructionregarding the start of capturing an image.
 4. A digital camera having amovable mirror provided so as to enter or retract with respect to anoptical path of an image pickup optical system for purpose of guiding asubject image to an optical viewfinder, comprising: an image pickupelement configured to capture the subject image formed by the imagepickup optical system to generate image data; a display portionconfigured to display the image data generated by the image pickupelement or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated bythe image pickup element to predetermined processing; adistance-measuring portion configured to receive the subject image andobtain information on a distance from the subject to the digital camerain a state where the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path;an autofocus portion configured to adjust a focus of the subject imageby adjusting the image pickup optical system using measurement resultsof the distance-measuring portion, or using contrast of the image datagenerated by the image pickup element or image data obtained bysubjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element topredetermined processing; a release button configured to receive aninstruction of a user regarding start of capturing an image forrecording by the image pickup element by being pressed fully; and acontrol portion configured to control the digital camera to enter a liveview mode so that the image data generated by the image pickup elementor the image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by theimage pickup element to predetermined processing is displayed on thedisplay portion as a moving image in real time, wherein when the movablemirror is not positioned in the optical path, the control portioncontrols the autofocus portion so that an autofocus operation isperformed using the contrast, and when the movable mirror is positionedin the optical path, the control portion controls the autofocus portionso that an autofocus operation is performed using the measurementresults of the distance-measuring portion, and wherein, when the releasebutton receives the instruction regarding start of capturing an imagefor recording by the image pickup element during the live view modewhere the control portion controls the autofocus portion so that anautofocus operation is performed continuously using the contrast, thecontrol portion is configured to control the movable mirror to bepositioned in the optical path, and the autofocus operation to beperformed using the measurement results of the distance-measuringportion, before the digital camera is shifted to the image pickupoperation.
 5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein when therelease button receives the instruction regarding the start of capturingan image within a predetermined time after the control portion allowsthe autofocus portion to start an autofocus operation in accordance withthe instruction regarding activation of the autofocus portion receivedby the release button, the control portion shifts the digital cameradirectly to the image pickup operation of the image for recording, andwhen the release button does not receive the instruction regarding thestart of capturing an image within the predetermined time, the controlportion shifts the digital camera to the live view mode, and thereafter,shifts the digital camera to the image pickup operation of the image forrecording when the release button receives the instruction regarding thestart of capturing an image.
 6. The digital camera according to claim 1,wherein after allowing the autofocus portion to start a phase differenceautofocus operation in accordance with the instruction regardingactivation of the autofocus portion received by the release button whilein the live view mode, the control portion determines whether to shiftthe digital camera directly to an image pickup operation of an image forrecording in accordance with a timing at which the release buttonreceives the instruction regarding the start of capturing an image, orto shift the digital camera to the live view mode and thereafter, shiftsthe digital camera to the image pickup operation of the image forrecording when the release button receives the instruction regarding thestart of capturing an image.
 7. The digital camera according to claim 4,wherein when the release button received the instruction regarding startof capturing an image for recording by the image pickup element duringthe live view mode where the control portion controls the autofocusportion so that an autofocus operation is performed continuously usingthe contrast, the control portion controls the movable mirror to bepositioned in the optical path, and a phase difference autofocusoperation to be performed using the measurement results of thedistance-measuring portion, before the digital camera is shifted to theimage pickup operation.